World Toilet Day

Sanitation in a Changing World is the theme of this year’s World Toilet Day and a stark reminder that while our world is impacted by rising climate risks, the need for safe sanitation never changes. Globally, the climate crisis risks rolling back hard-won progress on safely managed sanitation for millions of children, preventing them from living a life of health, dignity, and opportunity. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods and droughts can overwhelm sanitation systems, leaving communities vulnerable to diseases and struggling to maintain even basic sanitation services. The good news is that we have solutions. As the co-founder and leader of the Climate Resilient Sanitation Coalition, UNICEF and key partners are working with Governments and communities around the world to accelerate progress on safe sanitation that can withstand climate shocks. On this World Toilet Day, UNICEF is calling for stronger investment in climate-resilient sanitation — systems designed to endure extr...

FAO: An overview of FAO's initiatives to implement Sanitation Safety Plans in countries like Jordan, Palestine, Tunisia, and Libya , aiming to manage health risks associated with wastewater reuse.  ILO: The story of Shafique Massih, a sewer worker in Lahore, Pakistan, whose daily life is fullof dangers as he works to provide an essential service .  ILO: This blog delves into the often-overlooked labour force responsible for wastewatertreatment , discussing conditions, challenges, and the critical role these workers play in achieving sustainable development.  UNESCAP: This blog highlights how rising global temperatures are accelerating glacier meltin the ‘Third Pole’ region , threatening water security and increasing the risk of floods and landslides.  UNFPA: This story highlights the empowerment of women sanitation workers in India , showcasing initiatives that provide them with better working conditions, safety measures, and recognition for their crucial role in p...

• 3.4 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation services — that’s nearly half the world’s population. (WHO/UNICEF, 2025)  • 354 million people still practise open defecation , increasing the risk of disease and harm, especially for women and girls. (WHO/UNICEF, 2025)  • Only 58% of the global population use a safely managed sanitation service — which means an improved toilet that is not shared, and has excreta safely disposed of in situ or transported and treated offsite. (WHO/UNICEF, 2025)

• 22% of schools worldwide have no access to basic sanitation services, affecting learning, dignity, and attendance, especially for girls . (WHO/UNICEF, 2024)  • Inadequate sanitation and hygiene are linked to the transmission of diseases such ascholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid . (WHO, 2023)  • Unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene are responsible for the deaths of around 1,000 children under five every day. (WHO, 2023)

 At the current rates of progress, 3 billion people will still be living without safe toilets in 2030 . (WHO/UNICEF, 2023)  Globally, to achieve SDG target 6.2 –sanitation for all by 2030 – will require a six-foldincrease, on average, in the rate of progress on sanitation . In low-income countries, rates need to increase 13-fold for basic sanitation, and 21-fold for safely managed sanitation. (WHO/UNICEF, 2023)