The cost of inadequate sanitation

Poor sanitation, improper toilets and the resulting problems cost India nearly $54 billion in 2006, according to a report by the Water and Sanitation Program, a global partnership administered by the World Bank. Of the total cost, premature deaths and other health-related issues accounted for $38.5 billion, or nearly 72%. Nearly 10% of adult deaths in the country are related to inadequate sanitation and hygiene, and this figure goes up to 31% for those under five years of age.