The economic returns of sanitation interventions in Vietnam

Results of sanitation interventions in 9 rural and 8 urban sites have been evaluated, comparing open defecation with different range of sanitation facilities. Both quantitative and tangible benefits of sanitation and hygiene improvements versus averted costs of interventions were analyzed. Study results show improved sanitation is a socially profitable investment – pit latrines in rural areas have an economic return of at least 6 times the cost, and off-site treatment options in urban areas have an economic return of at least 3 times the cost. Net benefits from low-cost options are especially high, offering an affordable opportunity to poor households. Sanitation options that protect the environment are more costly to provide, but while environmental benefits are difficult to quantify in economic terms, the benefits are highly valued by households, tourists and businesses. Study results provide valuable information to allocate adequate resources for sanitation and hygiene improvement at central and local levels.