When is World Toilet Day in 2017?

The date of World Toilet Day in 2017 is on Sunday, November 19th. 

What is World Toilet Day?

World Toilet Day isn’t a joke holiday. In fact, it’s a very serious occasion. Four out of ten people in the world don’t have access to toilets or latrines. Without proper, safe sanitation, disease spreads easily through exposure to fecal bacteria. 1,000 children die each day worldwide from diarrhoeal illnesses spread by poor sanitation. Women and girls also face challenges from the lack of safe sanitation facilities. Many wait until nightfall to venture outside to relieve themselves, risking rape and assault, because there are no private toilets available. They are also excluded from education and employment opportunities due to the lack of sanitation facilities to manage menstruation. The elderly and people with disabilities often face challenges as well since available facilities cannot accommodate their physical limitations.

The United Nations recognized this day officially in 2013. UN-Water coordinates initiatives on World Toilet Day and throughout the year to help communities develop proper sanitation infrastructure. It is estimated that every dollar spent on water and sanitation returns an eight-fold investment by reducing health costs, saving time, and improving productivity.