World Toilet Day takes place on Sunday 19th November. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of proper sanitation and access to clean toilets worldwide.
Established by the United Nations in 2013, this day aims to address the global sanitation crisis and promote sustainable development goals in relation to water and sanitation. While the topic may seem light-hearted, it sheds light on a critical issue affecting billions of people around the world.
Access to clean and safe toilets is a basic human right, but a staggering number of people worldwide lack proper sanitation facilities. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, around 4.2 billion people, more than half the global population, don’t have access to safely managed sanitation services. This lack of proper facilities poses significant health risks, leading to the spread of diseases and impacting the overall well-being of communities.
World Toilet Day serves as a reminder of how lucky we are to have access to clean water and good sanitation systems. Access to clean toilets is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental human right. We all have a role to play in addressing the global sanitation crisis. By recognising the importance of sanitation and working together to implement sustainable solutions, we can make significant steps towards a healthier, cleaner world for all.
Personal action, no matter how small, can help solve this global crisis. One thing we can all do at home is ‘flush safe’. We can do this by fix leaking water and waste pipes, emptying full septic tanks and reporting the dumping of sludge. You can find helpful support articles through our partner HomeServe to help you tackle a leaking toilet or pipe:
For more information about World Toilet Day and how to get involved click here.