MDG 4. Reduce Child Mortality
Diseases (such as diarrhea) tied to unclean water and inadequate sanitation and respiratory infections related to pollution are among the leading killers of children under five. Lack of fuel for boiling water also contributes to preventable waterborne diseases.
MDG 5. Improve Maternal Health
Inhaling polluted indoor air and carrying heavy loads of water and fuel wood hurt women’s health and can make them less fit to bear children, with greater risks of complications during pregnancy. And lack of energy for illumination and refrigeration, as well as inadequate sanitation, undermine health care, especially in rural areas.
MDG 6. Combat Major Diseases
Up to 20%of the disease burden in developing countries may be due to environmental risk factors (as with malaria and parasitic infections). Preventative measures to reduce such hazards are as important as treatment – and often more cost-effective. New biodiversity-derived medicines hold promise for fighting major diseases.
