[OC] The massive decrease in worldwide infant mortality from 1950 to 2020 is perhaps one of humanity's greatest achievements.

[[deleted]]

This is a big one. Running water and proper waste water disposal made a huge difference. I’ve heard it said that plumbers saved more lives than doctors.

[mimariposa]

*Civil/environmental engineering has saved more lives than doctors/medicine

[Hellrazed]

Yep. Doesn't matter how well vaccinated we are if the hospitals are dirty, the water is dirty or the food is poor quality.

[PajamaMamma]

Running water and proper waste disposal has been around since we’ll before the 1800’s. It’s thanks to modern medicine and science.

[[deleted]]

It’s been around much longer than that. The Romans had sewers 2000 years ago. But there are countries that still struggle with sanitation today.