At a glance
World Toilet Day is observed each year on November 19 to bring attention to the lack of toilets for billions of people globally. It encourages everyone to learn and spread the word about how proper toilets and sanitation can save lives.
Why it's important
Each year on November 19, World Toilet Day celebrates toilets and highlights the global sanitation crisis that affects billions of people around the world who are living without access to a safely managed toilet. Without clean, safe toilets and assurance of safe transport and treatment, human waste (poop) can contaminate communities' food and water sources, which increases people's chances of getting sick.
When people don't have access to a toilet, they go outside in the open (called open defecation). Around the world at least 419 million people continue to practice open defecation. This often causes the spread of diarrheal diseases. Each day, nearly 1,000 children die around the world from diarrhea related to poor sanitation and contaminated water sources. Safe sanitation, the practice of good hygiene, and a safe water supply can save the lives of more than 300,000 children a year.
What you can do
World Toilet Day is an opportunity to learn more about the global sanitation crisis and raise awareness. Observe World Toilet Day by:
- Spreading awareness about the importance of sustainable sanitation
- Learning more about other global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues
- Visiting the UN's World Toilet Day site for more information and resources
- Promoting World Toilet Day by using these digital and printable resources
Share messages on social media!
Share the social media graphics below to promote World Toilet Day and use the #WorldToiletDay hashtag.
