There are many “international days” celebrating different things these days, but those officially observed by the UN raise awareness of significant past events, current global issues and sustainable development initiatives. The motivation of these is to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilise political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.
A key global issue and a sustainable development initiative (SDG 6) is the access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030. The UN’s theme this year is “Leaving No One Behind”, which aims to promote how deadly poor toilet facilities can be to people. It is estimated that a staggering 4.2 billion people live without “safely managed sanitation” (defined as toilets that successfully separate excreta from human contact and have means of safely disposing this material).
The provision and importance of toilets is often underestimated in the western world, many not realising the knock-on effects of not having access to a clean toilet and handwashing stations with simple but vital elements such as soap and clean water. Furthermore, more people in the world don’t have access to adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities (toilets, handwashing stations) than access to clean water!
CO2balance have implemented a number of CSR projects across some African countries we operate in; refurbishing ‘not fit for purpose’ latrines and building new latrines in rural communities which lack the infrastructure. Below is a snapshot of some of CO2balance’s work improving sanitation facilities in Uganda.
On this world water day, take a moment to appreciate how important and useful clean toilets are!