World Toilet Day is observed annually on November 19 by the United Nations to raise awareness on importance of toilets and sanitation in our daily lives and help achieve the goal of sanitation for all by 2030.

The significance of the day can be gauged from the fact that its observance raises awareness of the 3.6 billion people who don’t have access to a proper toilet. When some people in a community do not have safe toilets, everyone’s health is threatened. Poor sanitation contaminates drinking-water sources, rivers, beaches and food crops, spreading deadly diseases among the wider population.

Theme of the day
The theme for World Toilet Day 2021 is “Valuing Toilets”.

History of the day
World Toilet Day initiative was started by Jack Sim from Singapore. He founded the World Toilet organisation NGO in 2001. His idea was to use day to raise awareness regarding the importance of sanitation and hygiene. The World Toilet Day initiative was backed by “Sustainable Sanitation Alliance (SuSanA)”. The UN had recognised “Human Right to Water & Sanitation (HRWS)” as fundamental human right, in the year 2010.

UNGA resolution
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution in its 67th session in 2013 to designate November 19 as world toilet day. UNGA recognised unsatisfactory progress made towards providing basic sanitary service access to all. It also recognised how lack of basic sanitary service negatively impacted the health and economic & social situation of the people. The resolution was adopted by 122 member states.

Aim of the day
World Toilet Day is observed with the aim of creating and spreading awareness on sanitary practices which promote health, hygiene & safety of women. The day also discourages people from open defecation practices.