Editor’s note: The Development Set is devoting this week to stories of toilets and everything that happens in them. Because, as my favorite children’s book reminds us, everyone poops.

Though India has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it faces a persistent scourge of poverty-related diseases, due in part to poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices. About half of India’s population, or 595 million people, still defecates outside and not in a bathroom.

Nearly as many people are at risk for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), a group of parasitic and bacterial infections that includes intestinal worms and elephantiasis. NTDs can cause stunting, malnutrition, chronic pain and disability, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Poor sanitation can lead to intestinal worm infections and elephantiasis. For instance, in areas where open defecation is common, it is easy for children playing outside to accidentally touch fecal material and become infected with worms. It is also common to ingest worms when eating unclean or undercooked food. A few basic practices, like using indoor toilets, regularly washing hands, and wearing shoes can decrease the risk of infection by 29 percent.

Notably, the Indian government is taking steps to eliminate NTDs. The government runs one of the world’s largest programs to combat elephantiasis, or lymphatic filariasis. India also has established National Deworming Day, which coordinates programs for children in 12 states.

But providing treatment is only one part of the fight. India needs to step up its efforts in educating its population about hygiene. It also needs to realize that improving public health and sanitation are two sides of a coin.

In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a national initiative, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), to eliminate open defecation and improve sanitation practices. This ambitious undertaking is a positive step, and it is encouraging that the World Bank recently approved a US$1.5 billion loan to help the Indian government achieve its 2019 objectives.

However, the Indian government can be even more effective if it were to speak with one voice on the complementary issues of health and sanitation.

For example, Swachh Bharat can benefit from measuring the effectiveness of its efforts on health outcomes. Fewer children with worms would demonstrate the impact of improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices. There are separate, ongoing government efforts to track and map intestinal worm infections. What if they were combined?

In addition, ongoing NTD programs, such as National Deworming Day, offer opportunities to incorporate sanitation and hygiene messaging. While giving children pills to eliminate worms, representatives could talk about the importance of washing hands after using the bathroom and the dangers of playing outside while barefoot.

India’s leadership on Swachh Bharat and NTDs shows that emerging economies are setting their own development agendas. It sends a strong political signal for donors and international development organizations to partner with the country, rather than dictate terms.

Integrating efforts to tackle sanitation and health requires strong political leadership. However, with 35 percent of the global burden of NTDs, no other country is better positioned to make greater gains — and in no other country would the impact be more visible. India can set an example for the world in implementing a comprehensive approach to WASH and NTD initiatives. This coordinated effort will ensure continued improvements in broader global health and development.

Poop week logo by Mikey Burton. // The Development Set is made possible by funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We retain editorial independence.