Nature journal report on the Swachh Bharat :

Why in News? A study published in the Nature journal by the International Food Policy Research Institute suggests that the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has led to a significant reduction in infant deaths by improving sanitation.

Key Findings of the Report:

Infant and Child Mortality: The post-Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) period showed accelerated reductions in infant and under-five mortality rates.

Toilet Coverage: Districts with over 30% toilet coverage under SBM saw a 5.3 lower Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and 6.8 lower Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR).

Improved Health Outcomes: Higher SBM coverage corresponded with greater utilization of health programs such as antenatal care (ANC) and institutional deliveries.

Reduced Diarrheal Deaths: WHO reported 300,000 fewer diarrheal deaths in 2019 compared to 2014 due to improved sanitation.

Child Wasting: Non-ODF areas experienced 58% higher rates of child wasting (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation).

Women’s Safety: 93% of women reported feeling safer at home with improved sanitation facilities (UNICEF).

Education: Poor WASH facilities hinder student attendance and enrollment, particularly for girls.

Under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, the concept of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status has been expanded into two additional categories to ensure sustainability and higher levels of sanitation. These categories are:

1. ODF+ (ODF Plus):

• A village, town, or city is declared ODF+ when not only does it prevent open defecation, but also ensures the maintenance and proper use of public and community toilets.
• This status focuses on the long-term sustainability of toilet use, ensuring that toilets are functional, clean, and available for everyone, especially in public places.

2. ODF++ (ODF Plus Plus):

• ODF++ goes a step further by ensuring that, in addition to preventing open defecation and maintaining public toilets, the area also has proper faecal sludge management and safe sewage treatment.
• This status aims to address the full sanitation chain, including safe containment, transportation, treatment, and disposal of human waste, to prevent environmental pollution.