World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day History

World Toilet Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about the global sanitation crisis and the importance of clean and safe toilet facilities. This critical aspect of public health goes beyond mere comfort and convenience, as proper sanitation helps prevent the spread of diseases, ensures environmental cleanliness, and contributes to socio-economic development. The United Nations (UN) has endorsed World Toilet Day, recognising the significance of sanitation in promoting health, dignity, and equity for all people, especially those in developing countries.

The history of World Toilet Day dates back to 2001 when the World Toilet Organization, a Singapore-based international non-profit, was established to address sanitation issues around the world. Australia, while a developed nation with comparatively high standards of public sanitation, is not immune to its own set of challenges in this area. In remote and regional communities, resources for proper sanitation can be scarce, leading to inadequate or absent toilet facilities. Additionally, aging infrastructure in cities can result in inefficiencies and issues related to wastewater management and pollution control.

In Australia, World Toilet Day is observed through various programs and initiatives that focus on generating awareness and encouraging action towards improving national and international sanitation. Non-profit organisations, community groups, and government agencies organise events such as workshops, fundraising activities, and public engagements to discuss and promote innovative solutions for sanitation improvement in urban, regional, and remote areas of the country. World Toilet Day is held on the 19th of November each year across the globe, including Australia, and serves as a vital reminder to work together in tackling this pressing public health issue.

World Toilet Day facts

• The theme for World Toilet Day in 2023 was Accelerating Change.
• 1 in 8 people in the world practice open defecation, meaning that the person must relieve him/herself without cover or shelter from other people.
• Diarrhea is the second leading cause of deaths in children under age 5 in developing countries. Diarrhea is primarily due to poor hygiene and sanitation
• After European colonisation, early settlers in Australia often lacked proper sanitation facilities. This resulted in outbreaks of diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, and cholera in the 19th century.
• The 1956 Melbourne Olympics caused a significant modernisation of Australia's sanitation infrastructure. The government invested in the expansion and building of sewerage systems to accommodate the influx of visitors.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Toilet Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Toilet Day

• Spread awareness by using the hashtag #WorldToiletDay, #WeCantWait and #ToiletAccessIsARight.
• Read a book about toilets and the importance of sanitation. Some suggestions are: Sanitation & Water Supply in Low-Income Countries, Sitting Pretty An Uninhibited History of the Toilet and The Big Necessity.
• Write to local politicians or government representatives, urging them to prioritize sanitation initiatives and increase funding for improving access to clean toilets, both locally and globally. Encourage them to support policies that address the sanitation needs of marginalized communities.
• Get involved with local organizations working on improving sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in Australia. Volunteer for activities like refurbishing public toilets, organizing awareness campaigns, or assisting in community education programs.