Simply installing toilets where needed throughout the world and ensuring safe water supplies would do more to end crippling poverty and improve world health than any other possible measure, according to an analysis released today by the United Nations University.

Two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank today helped kick off a race to bring safe drinking water to 20 million people by 2015 at a United Nations Headquarters ceremony that included live world music and students that have raised funds for water and sanitation projects.

The UN's health body says that almost one-third of the world's population will not have access to enough safe water by 2025.