World Toilet Day: 1 in 3 Globally Lack Access to a Toilet
USAID Bureau for Global Health sent this bulletin at 11/18/2016 10:00 AM EST
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World Toilet Day
Today, 1
in 3 of the world’s 7.4 billion people do not have access to a toilet.In recognition of
World Toilet Day, tomorrow, we call attention to what a significant issue this
is around the world. A lack of toilets in health
facilities and at home is a major cause of illness and poor health outcomes,
including diarrhea. Women and children are affected disproportionately
by inadequate access to sanitation services. Without adequate access to them, women and girls are liable to miss school or work during menstruation or may be put at an
increased risk of sexual assault. Investments
in sanitation can help prevent childhood diarrhea, which is a major cause of
under-5 mortality.
The U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID) and its partners work to save
lives and advance development through improvements in sanitation access and
use. USAID invests in sustainable sanitation improvements for schools, health
centers, hospitals, and households to enhance public health and unleash greater
economic potential in partner communities around the world.
Since
Fiscal Year 2014, USAID and its partners have helped 4.3 million people gain
access to improved sanitation.