World Toilet Day (WTD),is observed annually on November 19, it is an official United Nations international observance day designed to inspire global action to address the pressing sanitation crisis. Globally, 4.2 billion people lack access to “safely managed sanitation,” while approximately 673 million individuals still engage in open defecation. These staggering statistics highlight the urgent need for intervention in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on “ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It was first initiated on 19th November 2001 by the World Toilet Organization, a Singapore-based non-governmental organization as an unofficial initiative to address global sanitation challenges and It was officially recognized as a United Nations observance in 2013, following a resolution introduced by Singapore—its first resolution before the UN General Assembly of 193 member states, before gaining official UN status.
ITS IMPORTANCE?
The theme for World Toilet Day 2024 is “Toilets – A Place for Peace.” This year’s u focus emphasizes the role of sanitation in fostering stable and healthy societies and because over 4.2 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation and 673 million practice open defecation, this poor sanitation has contributed to diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid, affecting public health ,not excluding women and girls; Lack of toilets disproportionately impacts women and girls, compromising their dignity and personal safety.
The day aims to inform, engage, and inspire people to take action in achieving sustainable sanitation for all.
OFFICIAL COORDINATOR.
UN-Water serves as the official convener of World Toilet Day, managing its official website and selecting a unique theme each year. For instance, the 2020 theme was “Sustainable sanitation and climate change,” while the 2019 theme, “Leaving no one behind,” reflected the core message of the Sustainable Development Goals. Previous themes have addressed issues such as nature-based solutions, wastewater, toilets and jobs, and the link between toilets and nutrition.
World Toilet Day is observed through communication campaigns and various activities organized globally. Events are coordinated by UN agencies, international organizations, local civil society groups, and volunteers, all aiming to raise awareness and drive action toward improving global sanitation.
Toilets play a crucial role in improving public health, preserving human dignity, and ensuring personal safety, particularly for women and girls. Proper sanitation systems that safely manage and treat human waste are essential to preventing the spread of diseases. Without adequate sanitation, untreated excreta can lead to serious health risks, including soil-transmitted infections and waterborne illnesses such as cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, dysentery, and schistosomiasis.
WHAT TO DO ON WTD.
- Educate and Raise Awareness:
Share facts and stats on social media or through local events. - Host workshops, webinars, or school discussions on sanitation.
- Support Sanitation Initiatives:
Donate to organizations improving sanitation infrastructure. - Volunteer to help build or maintain toilets in underprivileged areas.
- Advocate for Policy Change:
Write to policymakers urging prioritization of sanitation projects, and finally,
Join campaigns promoting better hygiene and sanitation.
IN ADDITION, you can; - Organize Events:
Conduct community cleanups in public spaces. - Host art or storytelling activities about sanitation.
- Learn and Reflect:
Focus on the year’s theme and related discussions. - Explore links between sanitation, health, and sustainable development.
- Promote Hygiene Practices:
Distribute hygiene kits with soap, menstrual products, and supplies and demonstrate proper handwashing techniques.
Incorporate the use of Digital Platforms by Sharing engaging content about sanitation and Hosting virtual panels or discussions with experts and advocates.
By participating, you help advance safe and sustainable sanitation for everyone.
World Toilet Day (WTD) emphasizes that access to proper sanitation is essential for health, dignity, and equality, while also addressing broader challenges like water scarcity and climate change.
