Definition & calculation
Numerator: Number of people in the target population observed and/or reporting use of improved sanitation facilities and not practising open defecation
Denominator: Total number of people in the target population
Calculate the proportion of the target population using improved sanitation facilities based on self-report triangulated with direct observation and transect walks.
Formula: (Numerator ÷ Denominator) × 100
Means of verification
Household survey, sanitation observation, community mapping
Interpretation
Direction: Higher is better
Typical reporting frequency: Baseline, midline and endline (or annual)
Guidance & common pitfalls
Access does not equal use; measure actual usage and open-defecation-free status rather than counting constructed latrines.
This library is a curated reference to adapt, aligned generically with recognised humanitarian frameworks (Sphere, cluster registries, IASC, CHS and others). It is not an official indicator registry — always use the exact indicator definitions your donor or cluster requires.
Related indicators
- Incidence of diarrhoeal disease among children under five in the target area
- % of households with access to and use of sufficient soap and essential hygiene items
- % of sampled water points / household stored-water samples meeting agreed safety standards (0 CFU E. coli / adequate free residual chlorine)
- % of target community members who can identify at least one functioning channel to give feedback or raise a complaint about WASH services