6 Facts To Ponder On The Potty

How much love do you give your toilet? Chances are, not enough. Millions of people around the world don’t have a decent toilet and live in communities where they have to go out in the open. This leads to disease and puts the lives of millions in danger. Check out the latest facts for you to ponder on next time you are on the potty.

1. More than half of the world poos in a crappy environment.

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That’s right, 6 in 10 people don’t have access to a toilet or similar facilities that separate human waste from human contact. So for those of you with a toilet nearby, be thankful, because you’re one of the few that can poo in a loo.

2. Millions of people poo outside.

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Over 892 million people practice “open defecation” meaning they go out on the side of the road, in fields or bushes. This is extremely dangerous for the health of everyone in the community and for the safety of many women and girls who have to wait until after dark to go in the bushes.

3. Poor hygiene can kill.

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Sanitation related diseases remain among the leading causes of death in children under 5 years old. In fact, over 800 children die every day from diarrhoea linked to unsafe water and poor hygiene.

4. Washing hands saves lives.

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Hygiene is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to keep children healthy. When children wash their hands with soap after going to the toilet and before eating, they reduce their risk of getting diarrhoea by more than 40 per cent. Next time you use the toilet make sure to wash your hands - your health depends on it.

5. Everyone needs a toilet.

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In order to get everyone in the world using toilets, we need to triple our current efforts. That doesn’t just mean more toilets, but creating the desire for people to use them!

6. TOILETS ARE AMAZING!!!

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Enough said.

Join UNICEF, as we support every child’s right to water, sanitation and hygiene. To find out more, read the latest info.