We have come a far way and have made significant positive changes in people’s lives. But we still have a far way to go. 2.4 billion people do not have adequate sanitation. 1 billion people still defecate in the open. Poor sanitation increases the risk of disease and malnutrition, especially for women and children. Women and girls risk rape and abuse, because they have no toilet that offers privacy.
This needs to change. We celebrate World Toilet Day today!
Today we call for a better life for all, to stop inequalities that trap the poor and most marginalised at the bottom of the ladder. Today is a vital day to raise awareness about the people in the world who don’t have access to a toilet, despite the fact that it is a human right to have clean water and sanitation.
This year, World Toilet Day 2015 is focusing on the link between sanitation and nutrition, drawing the world’s attention to the importance of toilets in supporting better nutrition and improved health. Lack of access to clean drinking water and sanitation, along with the absence of good hygiene practices, are among the underlying causes of poor nutrition. On this day people are encouraged to take action and help promote the idea that more needs to be done.
Together #wecantwait any longer!
Download and share our factsheet today and unite for a better future. (It was developed by Generation Nutrition, WaterAid & End Water Poverty).
This factsheet highlights the critical role water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) plays in the fight against child undernutrition. We are delighted to launch this factsheet, and hope it will serve as a useful resource to show the importance of working together, across sector to maximise our impact and achieve real change in people’s lives.
Adapted by from article in End Water Poverty.