""What works to effectively extend and sustain water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) service provision?" This question becomes increasingly difficult to answer in a rapidly changing global environment. Informed decision-making is impeded by limited or no information on WASH-related national policies, institutional frameworks, domestic investments, human resources and targeting of external assistance. The 2012 report of the UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water contributes to filling this information gap by summarizing the efforts and approaches of 74 low- and middle-income countries and 24 external support agencies. Through text, graphics, maps and full country annexes, the report illustrates the status of key WASH efforts and highlights global trends. Against the backdrop of remarkable global gains in extending drinking-water and sanitation services, this report: builds the case for a significant risk of slippage on the gains made in extending WASH services unless more attention is given to maintaining those services and assets; acknowledges that despite the severe financial crisis faced by many high-income countries, aid for sanitation and drinking water continues to rise, while targeting to basic Millennium Development Goal-type services is improving; shows that some countries are reporting good progress towards national WASH targets and argues that, for the majority of countries, human and financial resource constraints, especially for sanitation, are significantly impeding progress. This report will be a key resource for all stakeholders concerned with improving WASH service provision around the world."--Page 4 of cover.