Vaccination against cryptosporidiosis, a devastating disease for children in the developing world caused by a protozoan parasite, has met with limited success (P. Hotez Health Affairs 30, 1080–1087; 2011). A better way to prevent this and other enteric diseases in such settings is to address shortcomings in hygiene.

When funding is in short supply, more investment in basic research is not the only solution (see B. Striepen Nature 503, 189–191; 2013). Increasing efforts to extend interventions that are known to work already are more likely to bring immediate, tangible and cost-effective benefits.

The most significant gains will be achieved through education and the design, deployment and uptake of suitable sanitation and potable-water systems within the affected communities.