November 19 is World Toilet Day, an occasion designated by the United Nations General Assembly and recognized annually on this date to raise awareness and prompt action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. Since its creation in 2013, World Toilet Day has been coordinated by UN-Water and recognized by governments around the world, giving much-needed attention to an often neglected issue.
Why is World Toilet Day Important?
According to the UN and World Health Organization, 2.4 billion people live without adequate sanitation facilities, and approximately 600 million of those individuals live in India—primarily in the country's remote, rural villages.
Families who live in areas with open defecation are susceptible to the spread of not only deadly diarrheal diseases and other health problems, but also economic losses. Without access to private toilets, women and girls are at a particularly high risk and face critical safety issues including sexual assault or rape.
By addressing these issues openly on World Toilet Day (and every other day), we can help to eradicate the all-too-prevalent taboo surrounding the sanitation crisis, and work together toward creating realistic and impactful solutions.
How Can You Help?
You can make a tangible, long-lasting difference by donating to Share & Care's Nirmal Village Program. With help from our local on-the-ground partner, this program provides families in rural India with indoor toilets as well as comprehensive, gender- and age-specific training on hygiene best practices. Our educational programs are conducted by local health professionals and cover topics ranging from the dangers of outdoor defecation to proper use and maintenance of the toilets.
Want to help us build a cleaner, healthier India? For just $130, YOU can provide an underprivileged family with an indoor toilet and sanitation training. Visit our NVP donation to page to contribute today.
