Why We Observe World Toilet Day
Every year on November 19, the world unites to observe World Toilet Day. This crucial event aims to shed light on the severe global sanitation crisis and to advocate for safe, accessible, and dignified toilet facilities for every individual on the planet. The day underscores the vital part that toilets play in upholding public health, personal dignity, and the protection of our environment.
The History and Significance Behind the Day
The origins of this important day can be traced back to a Singaporean philanthropist, Jack Sim. He established the World Toilet Organisation (WTO) on November 19, creating a platform to address worldwide sanitation challenges. The movement gained substantial momentum after a pivotal decision by the United Nations in 2010, which declared access to water and sanitation a fundamental human right. This was followed by the UN's official designation of November 19 as World Toilet Day on July 14, 2013.
World Toilet Day 2025: 'Sanitation in a Changing World'
The theme for World Toilet Day in 2025, as announced by UN Water, is 'Sanitation in a changing world'. This powerful theme calls for urgent investment in 'future-ready' sanitation systems and services. The 2025 campaign is a stark reminder for all stakeholders to collaborate in achieving universal access to safe, affordable, and reliable sanitation. It specifically demands that toilets be made available to all and are built to be resilient against climate shocks like floods and droughts.
India's Stride with the Swachh Bharat Mission
In India, a massive step towards ensuring safe sanitation was initiated by the central government with the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in 2014. This landmark initiative led to the construction of millions of household and community toilets across the nation, aiming to eliminate open defecation and significantly improve sanitation standards. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this movement has yielded positive outcomes, including a reduction in diarrheal deaths and a marked improvement in the safety and dignity of women.
Key Facts Highlighting the Global Sanitation Crisis
- Approximately 3.4 billion people – nearly half the world's population – still live without access to safely managed sanitation services.
- A staggering 354 million individuals still practise open defecation, a dangerous act that heightens the risk of disease and poses particular threats to women and girls.
- Only 58% of the global population uses a safely managed sanitation service, defined as an improved, non-shared toilet with safe waste disposal.
- Contaminated water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene are responsible for the deaths of about 1,000 children under the age of five every single day.
- Disturbingly, WHO/UNICEF data estimates that if current trends continue, 3 billion people may still be without safe toilets by the year 2030.
