At WaterAid we love talking about toilets. We especially like to talk about how toilets save lives.

This is why we’re so happy to say that, for the first time ever, more than 6 in 10 of the world’s population now have access to a decent toilet.

This is great progress. But we’re not done yet!

Did you know that a shocking 2.3 billion people – that is 1 in 3 of the world’s population – do not have access to a decent toilet? Without them people have to cope with the indignity of going in the open. In many countries, women are expected to wait until nightfall to relieve themselves, putting them at serious risk of harassment and assault.

Two young children run to their newly built latrines at the Masindray Primary School in Antanarivo, Madagascar. Photo credit: WaterAid/Kate Holt

What we do

Last year we helped over 3 million people gain access to a safe, clean and private toilet. We work with our local partners using local materials, low-cost solutions, and are always exploring new ways to deal with human waste.

We also campaign tirelessly to governments advocating that they target their development efforts and spending on sanitation. It might not be sexy or nice to talk about, but by removing waste safely, it keeps our environment clean and reduces the risk of sickness and even death.

What can you do? 

It is going to take a combined global effort to reach everyone, everywhere with a decent toilet by 2030. The progress we’ve made so far shows it is possible, but we need your help.

This World Toilet Day we’re calling on Canadians to stand up with us so that others can sit down. Join our Thunderclap to help spread the message that toilets save lives.