Historical Evolution of Sanitary Engineering and Its Impact on Reducing Child Mortality

Sanitary engineering has played a pivotal role in public health and in the global reduction of infant mortality. From ancient aqueducts to modern treatment plants, this field has ensured access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, preventing infectious diseases throughout history. During the Industrial Revolution, accelerated urban growth and poor hygiene conditions triggered epidemics that motivated the development of technical systems for water management and waste disposal. Thus, sanitary engineering emerged as an essential discipline for protecting collective health, significantly reducing infant mortality worldwide. Today, its advances remain crucial in the face of challenges such as climate change and persistent inequalities in access to basic services. Understanding its historical evolution allows us to recognize how infrastructure, technology, and public policies have contributed to improved quality of life and strengthened preventive health systems.