Since 2013, the United Nations has observed November 19th as World Toilet Day to draw the world’s attention to the importance of accessible toilets and their role in improving hygiene and health around the world.
Together, we can make toilets and proper sanitation accessible for all. Here are seven key facts you need to know about the problem:
| 1. | 40% of the world — more than 2.4 billion people — lack access to improved sanitation. |
| 2. | Over the past 200 years, toilets have added twenty years to the human lifespan. |
| 3. | As a part of the 2030 Sustainable Development goals, the UN hopes to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. |
| 4. | More people in the world have access to mobile phones than toilets. |
| 5. | Poor sanitation increases the risk for malnutrition and disease, especially for women and children. |
| 6. | Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death among children under five and is entirely preventable with access to proper sanitation and clean water. |
| 7. | For every dollar invested in water and sanitation, there is a $4.30 return in the form of reduced health care costs around the world. |