World Toilet day
Context
Every year, November 19 is celebrated as World Toilet Day worldwide.
- It is an initiative by the United Nations to address global sanitation crisis.
- The programme emphasises ensuring water and sanitation for all by 2030.
- The theme for 2024 is “Toilets: A Place for Peace.” . It highlights the link between sanitation and challenges like conflict, climate change, and systemic neglect.
Global Sanitation Crisis
- Current Statistics:
- 3.5 billion people lack safely managed sanitation.
- 419 million people still practice open defecation.
- 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 2 billion lack basic hygiene services.
- Impact on Health:
- Unsafe sanitation contributes to 1,000 child deaths daily among those under five due to preventable diseases.
- WHO estimates that improved sanitation could save 1.4 million lives annually.
- Children in conflict zones are particularly affected, being:
- Three times more likely to practice open defecation.
- Eight times more likely to lack basic drinking water services.
- More likely to die from sanitation-related diseases than direct violence.
India’s Efforts and Initiatives
- Sustaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status:
- India has conducted surveys and expedited toilet construction under programmes like the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
- Over 11.73 crore household toilets have been built in rural areas, leading to 5.57 lakh ODF Plus villages.
- Urban SBM achieved its targets with 63.63 lakh household toilets and 6.36 lakh community/public toilets, making 4,576 cities ODF.
- Campaigns for 2024:
- “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman” (Our Toilet: Our Dignity) links sanitation with human rights, focusing on dignity and privacy for women and girls. The campaign runs from November 19 to December 10, 2024 (Human Rights Day).
- Efforts aim to bridge gaps in sanitation services and ensure equitable access for all.
- Public Health and Economic Impact:
- The Swachh Bharat Mission reduced 300,000 diarrheal deaths by 2019.
- Economic benefits include healthcare savings of INR 50,000 per family annually in ODF villages.
- Enhanced women’s safety: 93% of women in ODF regions reported greater security.
Significance of World Toilet Day
- Recognises sanitation as a fundamental human right essential for dignity, health, and security.
- Underscores the need for resilient sanitation systems, particularly in areas vulnerable to conflict and climate-related disruptions.
- Aligns with global and national goals to ensure universal access to water and sanitation, fostering equity and improved public health.
- By addressing sanitation challenges holistically, the vision of SDG 6 can be realised, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified future for all.
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