World Toilet Day on 19 November aims to highlight the plight of 2.5 billion people without access to a clean, private toilet

 

“I give a shit, do you?” is theme of global awareness campaign

 

8 November 2012 Geneva/Singapore:  “I give a shit, do you?” is the plea of the 2012 global World Toilet Day campaign put together by the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and the World Toilet Organization (WTO).

 

Observed annually on 19 November, World Toilet Day aims to break the taboo around toilets and hygiene, and draw attention to the existing global sanitation challenge. Sanitation is a fundamental human right. World Toilet Day was created to raise global awareness of the daily struggle for proper dignified sanitation that a staggering 2.5 billion people continue to face.

 

“Can you imagine not having a toilet?,” asks Saskia Castelein, Advocacy and Communication Officer at WSSCC. “Can you imagine not having privacy when you need to relieve yourself? Although unthinkable for those living in wealthy parts of the world, this is a harsh reality for many - in fact, one in three people on this globe, does not have access to a toilet! The World Toilet Day Campaign aims to raise awareness, inspire action, and make sanitation and hygiene for all a reality in the 21st century.”

 

The benefits of proper sanitation, good hygiene and clean drinking water on health and well being, educational attainment and economic growth are increasingly gaining recognition by the international development community. However, there is still a long way to go.

 

Designed as an online campaign, World Toilet Day wants to cast its net far and wide to get the attention of not just those working on these issues already, but also decision makers and the public. The website www.worldtoiletday.org enables the world over to:

• Share key messages about safe toilets
• Advocate for better sanitation by hosting an event and registering activities on an interactive World Toilet Day map
• Promote World Toilet Day by using the logo, posters, banners, stickers and brochure
• Tell the world why You Give A Shit!
• Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter

If you Give A Shit, then take action, share and learn on www.worldtoiletday.org.

 

Media Contacts
WSSCC – Saran Koly, saran.koly@wsscc.org; +41 22 560 81 74; WTO – Haikel Fahim, haikel@worldtoilet.org; +65 6352 8921

 

Note to Editors

About the World Toilet Organization
The World Toilet Organization is a global non-profit organization committed to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide. It is a global network and service platform that all toilet and sanitation organizations can use to share knowledge and advocate sound sanitation and public health policies by leveraging media and global support to influence governments. Visit www.worldtoilet.org for more information

 

About the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council
The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council's (WSSCC) mission is to ensure sustainable sanitation, better hygiene and safe drinking water for all people.  Good sanitation and hygiene lead to economic and social development, yielding health, productivity, educational and environmental benefits. WSSCC manages the Global Sanitation Fund, facilitates coordination at national, regional and global levels, supports professional development, and advocates on behalf of the 2.5 billion people without a clean, safe toilet to use.  WSSCC is hosted by UNOPS, supports coalitions in more than 30 countries and has members around the world. Visit www.wsscc.org for more information.