World Toilet Day is celebrated on November 19 every year to raise awareness about the global sanitation crisis and the importance of safe, accessible toilets for everyone across the globe.
This dedicated day highlights the crucial role toilets play in public health, dignity and environmental protection. It also throws light to the needs of thousands of people who still don’t have access to safe sanitation.
Here’s a look at the history and significance of the day.
Why is this day celebrated?
The day gains its significance from a Singaporean philanthropist Jack Sim, who founded the NGO, World Toilet Organisation (WTO) on November 19 to raise awareness about sanitation challenges in the world.
In 2010, the United Nations (UN) declared the right to water and sanitation a human right, that’s when the idea of World Toilet Day started gaining popularity. Finally, on July 14, 2013, the UN officially declared November 19 as World Toilet Day.
World Toilet Day 2025 Theme
The theme of the World Toilet Day, for 2025, is ‘Sanitation in a changing world,’ which highlights the urgent need to invest in sanitation systems and services that are ‘future-ready,’ as per UN Water.
World Toilet Day serves as an important reminder for all stakeholders to work towards ensuring universal access to safe, affordable and reliable sanitation systems, supported by sustained investment. The 2025 World Toilet Day campaign demands that toilets are available to everyone, and are resilient to flooding, droughts and other climate shocks.
As for India’s part in ensuring safe sanitation in the country, the central government launched Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in 2014, under which millions of household and community toilets were constructed to put an end to open defecation and improve sanitation.
This movement has not only resulted in a reduction in diarrheal deaths, it has also enhanced the safety and dignity of women, as per the WHO.
Key Facts about the day
— About 3.4 billion still still live without safely managed sanitation services, which is nearly half the world’s population.
— 354 million people still practise open defecation, increasing the risk of disease and harm, especially for women and girls.
— 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.
— Contaminated water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene kill about 1,000 under-five children every day.
— WHO/UNICEF data estimates that by 2030, 3 billion people may still continue to live without safe toilets.