The provision of safe water and sanitation are key mechanisms for breaking the cycle of poverty. Access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation has therefore been included as one of the targets that constitute the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The risk of emphasising the number of people gaining access to water and sanitation, is that technical solutions are being pursued in isolation, while the importance of hygiene as a critical success factor of water and sanitation programs is overlooked. Promoting hygiene does not only contribute to improved health outcomes, but is a paramount factor in the sustainability of water and sanitation programs.