Intrinsic and instrumental perspectives to sanitation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Development Economics
• Social Equity

Background:

• Public health interventions are frequently justified by their instrumental value in achieving broader social and economic goals.
• The intrinsic value of interventions, where they are considered worthwhile irrespective of external returns, is often overlooked.
• Sanitation is a critical public health area where this intrinsic value perspective is particularly relevant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the intrinsic value of public health interventions, using sanitation as a case study.
• To encourage the development community to adopt an intrinsic value framework for motivating sanitation initiatives.
• To propose a fundamental shift from demand-side to supply-side interventions in public health.

Main Methods:

• This commentary employs a conceptual and argumentative approach.
• It analyzes the rationale behind public health interventions, contrasting instrumental and intrinsic value perspectives.
• The discussion extends to policy implications, advocating for a shift in intervention strategies.

Main Results:

• Public health interventions, including sanitation, hold inherent worth independent of their economic or social returns.
• An intrinsic value perspective can reframe the justification and prioritization of essential health initiatives.
• A shift towards supply-side interventions is proposed as a more equitable approach to health and development.

Conclusions:

• Recognizing the intrinsic value of public health interventions is crucial for equitable development.
• Motivating sanitation interventions through their inherent worth, not just economic benefits, is essential.
• A paradigm shift towards supply-side strategies is needed to ensure broader access and impact in public health.