Sanitation, rural

Targets and indicators for Health 2020 version 3:
http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-policy/health-2020-the-european-policy-for-health-and-well-being/publications/2016/targets-and-indicators-for-health-2020.-version-3-2016

European Health Information Initiative:
http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/european-health-information-initiative-ehii

The European Health Statistics App:
http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/the-european-health-statistics-app

(15) 4.1.c. Percentage of population with improved sanitation facilities

Living in satisfactory and sanitary housing conditions is one of the most important aspects of people’s lives. An assessment of population well-being thus needs to examine living conditions and whether dwellings have access to facilities – including adequate water and sewage supply – that are considered basic needs and human rights.
The vital importance of sanitation to human health and well-being and its role as an engine of development are well recognized. In this context, it is also crucial to recognize that striking disparities often occur in progress towards providing these services to the population, particularly in the divide between urban and rural populations, even when taking the different starting points into consideration. Use of improved sanitation facilities is a proxy for the use of basic sanitation.

An improved sanitation facility is defined as one that hygienically separates human excreta from human contact. Improved sanitation facilities include:
• flush/pour flush to:
o piped sewer system
o septic tank
o pit latrine;
• ventilated improved pit latrine;
• pit latrine with slab;
• composting toilet.