Post by : Saif Rahman

World Toilet Day 2025 was honored globally on November 19, serving as a stark reminder that clean and functional toilets are critical for health and dignity. Though the subject may provoke chuckles, it is a grave issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed alarming statistics highlighting a significant sanitation crisis that impacts billions.

The WHO reports that an astounding 3.4 billion individuals still lack access to safe toilets. This statistic indicates that nearly half of the global population continues to rely on unsafe or unsanitary sanitation methods, which can lead to severe health issues. Annually, approximately 1.4 million people perish due to insufficient access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, often referred to as WASH. Many of these preventable fatalities could be avoided with proper toilet infrastructure in place.

Diarrhoeal diseases are the leading cause of these deaths. According to WHO, about two-thirds of fatalities related to poor sanitation stem from diarrhoeal infections, claiming over a million lives each year. Tragically, around 1,000 children under five years old die daily from diseases linked to inadequate sanitation and contaminated water. These are diseases that are both preventable and treatable.

The situation is compounded by climate change, as floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events cripple vulnerable sanitation systems and exacerbate water scarcity. When clean water becomes scarce or contaminated, families resort to unsafe drinking and cooking water, heightening the risk of infections and long-term health complications. The WHO emphasizes that access to functioning toilets is a fundamental human right, urging governments to ensure everyone has reliable sanitation options regardless of their location.

Dr. Rüdiger Krech, a senior WHO director, stated that this World Toilet Day should prompt nations to strive for swift advancements and long-term strategies. He emphasized the importance of investment in modern, reliable toilets, particularly in rural and impoverished areas, so each person can benefit from safe sanitation. Improved toilet conditions can save lives, enhance health, and alleviate suffering for millions.

Global data from the World Population Review reveals that the sanitation crisis is particularly acute in Africa. The report highlights Niger, where 65 percent of the population lacks access to proper toilet facilities. In several African and South Asian nations, poor infrastructure, inadequate government support, and rapid population growth hinder sanitation improvements. Many communities still depend on open defecation due to a lack of alternatives.

The repercussions of lacking sanitation extend beyond health concerns. Girls often drop out of school where toilets are unavailable, particularly during menstruation. Women encounter safety dangers when compelled to use open spaces for relief at night. Families invest their scarce resources in healthcare for avoidable illnesses that could have been mitigated with basic services such as clean restrooms, consistent water supply, and adequate waste disposal. In the absence of toilets, neighborhoods turn into breeding grounds for flies, mosquitoes, and germs, negatively impacting the overall community.

WHO calls upon countries, leaders, and citizens to recognize the profound significance of simple yet transformative services such as toilets. Clean sanitation systems lower the risk of disease outbreaks, foster healthy development in children, and uphold familial dignity in daily living. Experts advocate for advancements in sanitation as one of the most economical methods to improve public health and combat poverty.

World Toilet Day 2025 stands as a reminder that access to a toilet should not be considered a luxury. Safe sanitation is fundamental to health, education, gender equality, and broader development efforts. The obstacles are substantial, but persistent investment, improved planning, and robust political dedication can pave the way toward a future where no one has to gamble with their life over the absence of such a fundamental facility as a toilet.

#Health #Wellness