Today, 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation, 673 million still practise open defecation and three billion lack basic handwashing facilities.[1] This sanitation crisis means untreated human waste is spreading diseases into water supplies and the food chain for billions of people. Inadequate sanitation is estimated to cause 432,000 diarrhoeal deaths every year.[2] Globally, the world is off track to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 to ensure sanitation and water for all by 2030. Funding is falling short, demand is rising, water pollution is worsening and existing governance structures are often weak and fragmented. Poor and marginalized people are much more likely to lack safely managed sanitation services and often face many forms of discrimination. They can be left behind as they try to access and manage sanitation services or improve their current facilities.

World Toilet Day is celebrated on 19th November every year. It’s all about inspiring action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which promises sanitation for all by 2030. World Toilet Day 2019 is drawing attention to those people being left behind without sanitation. A toilet is not just a toilet. It’s a life-saver, dignity-protector and opportunity-maker.  We must expand access to toilets and leave no one behind. Because whoever you are, wherever you are, sanitation is your human right.

Source: UN water