2.4 Billion People Still Don't Have Access to Proper Toilets, Report Reveals

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Toilets and bathrooms are a common sight in most developed countries but according to a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, almost one-third of the world's population still considers having a proper toilet as a luxury.

The study relays that although there has been impressive improvements pertaining to safe drinking water access, there is still a slow progress when it comes to sanitation, reports TIME. Of the 77 percent UN Millennium Development Goal, only 68 percent has been known to have access to sanitation facilities, including toilets and baths.

TV New Zealand adds that as many people still have limited access to toilets, they continue to use the outdoors for urination and defecation, contributing to water pollution and endangering the safety of the population worldwide. 

WHO public health director Dr. Maria Neira says that until there is progress in the sanitation goal, many people will continue to suffer and die from waterborne diseases due to lack of clean water.

The Guardian also writes that among the among all the countries affected, India has the worst facilities, where 640 million people still contribute to water pollution by making their rivers and the outdoors their personal toilet.

While the Indian government has promised to help install toilets in houses, there has been a lack of action in terms of educating people about the hazards unhygienic practices may bring.

Nitya Jacob, lead of the Indian branch of the international charity WaterAid, feels that the government is not making enough effort. She also stresses that with the low funds, poor quality equipment, and poor resolutions, no positive change can be seen in their country when it comes to sanitation.

With the benchmark expiring this year, the United Nations is doubling their effort to achieve their global targets of giving everyone access to potable water and improved sanitation facilities. Since 1990, according to the report, 2.1 billion people are now experiencing better sanitation and improved water quality; although 2.4 billion people are still in need of the much-awaited improvement.

Analysts believe that the report should not be taken as a sign of failure as they feel that the goals and tasks were both ambitious and difficult to achieve. Bjorn Lomborg, founder of the Copenhagen Consensus Centre, says it is more important to consider all the great improvements this movement has done to the world; at least it has reduced the number of people in need of proper toilets and clean water.

A new Sustainable Development Goals is expected to be released by the United Nations in September, stretching the target year of completion to 2030.