Nepal joins the global observance of World Toilet Day on November 19, dedicated to raising awareness about sanitation issues and promoting access to clean and safe toilets.
Initiated by the United Nations in 2013, this year’s theme is ‘Accelerating the pace of change,’ aligning with sustainable development goal number 6, emphasizing clean drinking water and sanitation.
Despite strides towards eliminating open defecation, the UN reports that 3.5 billion people worldwide still lack safe toilet facilities, with 419 million practicing open defecation.
Shockingly, approximately 1,000 children succumb daily to diseases linked to open feces and urine.
Nepal achieved the milestone of declaring itself open defecation-free on September 30, 2019, becoming the first South Asian country to do so.
However, challenges persist in reaching comprehensive sanitation goals.
UN water and sanitation data reveal that only 51 percent of Nepal’s population has access to safe sanitation services.
Moreover, a mere 64 percent have the luxury of washing their hands with soap and water, while only 39 percent effectively treat and manage household wastewater.
Ramdeep Shah, President of Smart WASH Solutions Nepal, emphasizes the urgency of expediting initiatives, stating that progress must be five times faster to achieve the ambitious goal of clean drinking water and sanitation for all.
As Nepal reflects on its achievements and challenges this World Toilet Day, a renewed commitment to addressing these issues is crucial for global progress in sanitation.