WASH and disease prevention – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D are correct as they reflect established public health knowledge about contaminated water, vulnerability of children and benefits of integrated WASH programmes. Statement C is incorrect because handwashing with soap at critical times is one of the most effective measures to prevent diarrhoeal and related diseases. Therefore, the combination A, B and D only is the correct answer.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it excludes D, which correctly emphasises the value of integrated WASH interventions. Without D, the answer does not show how combined strategies reduce disease burden.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since it includes C, which wrongly downplays the effectiveness of handwashing. Including this false statement makes the combination unacceptable.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it groups B, C and D and accepts C as true. While B and D are correct, C is not, so the option mixes true and false statements.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it recognises that unsafe water and sanitation particularly harm children and that integrated WASH programmes can substantially lower disease. It also correctly rejects statement C.