In 2001 the World Toilet Organization was created to help end the sanitation crisis. Originally, World Toilet Day became a national holiday in 2013 with the help of 122 countries. Today, the United Nations declared November 19th, 2015 as World Toilet Day. The purpose of this day to draw people’s attention to the lack of proper sanitation around the world and to “bring global attention to the sanitation crisis” (World Toilet). Every year there is a different theme, and in 2015, the organization’s theme is “Sanitation and Nutrition.” The reason for this theme is because “sustainable sanitation is a matter of dignity, equality, and safety, and is crucial to improving the health and wellbeing of one-third of humanity”. The World Toilet Organization is hoping this day will help people join the global movement and be part of the revolution. Below are eight facts about the lack toilets throughout the world:
• 1 in 3 people lack access to the basic sanitation of a toilet
• Almost 1,000 children die every day due to improper sanitation
• Of the six leading causes of child deaths, diarrhea is responsible for 20% of them (Neorsd).
• Having access to clean and safe toilets, helps keep more girls in school (also increases attendance rates) (worldtoilet.org)
• Currently, we are 150 years behind schedule in providing everyone with the proper sanitation
• “Every $1 spent on water and sanitation generates a $4.3 return in the form of reduced health care costs” (worldtoilet.org).
• More than 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation (IBtimes).
• An estimated 1.8 billion people use drinking water that contains fecal matter (IBtimes).
Do you wonder why we need a day for toilets? According to the worldtoilet.org “Sanitation has become more of a priority for world leaders in the 14 years since World Toilet Organization was founded, however the current level of prioritization is still far from what is needed, given the scale and impact of the sanitation crisis. It’s time for toilets to be treated as an urgent global priority.” As you can see the access to the proper sanitation is a must for many throughout the world. Not only does it involve toilets, but it involves having access to clean water as well. Water throughout the world can contain thousands of harmful chemicals such as lead, rust, sediment and more, causing harmful side effects. Help provide clean water today through the purchase of a water filter, or finding out how you can participate with the World Toilet Organization.
