It may not have the pizzazz of say, Halloween, but today, on World Toilet Day, the United Nations is drawing attention to the important role that hygiene plays in maintaining health. The UN notes that about 2.4 billion people still live without adequate sanitary facilities today. Moreover, 1 billion people still defecate in the open. Poor sanitation increases the risk of disease and malnutrition, especially for women and children, notes the UN.

The situation is unacceptable.


This is why in 2013 the United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 19 as World Toilet Day. World Toilet Day is coordinated by UN-Water in collaboration with governments and relevant stakeholders.


Diarrhea is one of the three most common killers of young children globally, along with pneumonia and malaria, according to estimates from Water Aid. Most of these deaths (58% of them) could be prevented by clean water, sanitation and good hygiene including handwashing with soap. According to one estimate, modern sanitation could save 315,000 children each year.


No wonder why four CEOs, including Paul Polman of Unilever, are supporting efforts to reverse this health tragedy. Having access to a safe toilet at work matters. To learn more about the benefits of your company signing the WASH pledge, click here.