This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
November 19 marks World Toilet Day, a day to highlight the importance of sanitation as a fundamental human right. This year's celebration comes at a critical time, with just over a decade left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2, which aims to achieve universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.
Despite progress in recent years, 14% of Kenyans still practice open defecation, with 96% of them unable to afford a basic latrine. Globally, 90% of people without access to proper sanitation live in rural areas, where girls and women suffer disproportionately from lack of toilets.
Girls without access to sanitation facilities miss school for up to a week every month during their menses, while women face shame, stigma, and the risk of rape when forced to venture out at night. The economic cost of poor sanitation is also significant, with open defecation leading to negative health outcomes and perpetuating poverty.
However, with a community-first approach, we can resolve the global sanitation crisis and transform the lives of the world's most vulnerable people. By ensuring universal access to sanitation, we can protect dignity, promote public health, and break the cycle of poverty.
As Mr. Waka, programme director for water, sanitation, and hygiene at Amref Health Africa, notes, 'We can ensure that the poor will not sink deeper into poverty simply because they cannot afford proper sanitation, or health services when they fall ill.' It is time to recognize sanitation as a fundamental human right and take collective action to achieve universal access.
