Songs

Ross believed strongly that most tropical diseases could be avoided by good hygiene. He considered that cleaners and what he called ‘sanitarians’ (today we might call them community health workers) were amongst the most important people, although everyone looks down on them and they are badly paid. This song is adapted from a passage in Ross’s book ‘Mosquito Brigades and How to Organise Them’.

Great is Sanitation!
Except for Discovery
It is the greatest work that a human being can do.

Here is a city where the children play in filth
There is village that is seething with disease.
Will you stand by stagnant water talking about philosophy
Will you stand by stagnant water talking about morality
Will you stand by stagnant water talking about policy
Will you stand by stagnant water talking about Art?

Sanitarian, your job is plain.
Wipe away the slums
Clear away the filth,
Sweep away the disease!

You must work in the darkness
While others sleep.
You must work long and hard
While others sit and weep.

Great men will look down on you!
The powerful will begrudge you the smallest wage!
No one will thankyou!
No one will remember your name!
But you Community Health Worker
Will know that because of you
The dying child will live
And the city is budding like a garden.

Great is Sanitation!
Except for Discovery
It is the greatest work that a human being can do!