What is the most important invention in human history? How about the toilet? There are some who argue that the development of the toilet and the advances in sanitation which go with it make it the most effective invention when it comes to human health and longevity.
Today is World Toilet Day -- I kid you not -- and this is no joking matter. An estimated 2.5 billion humans -- more than a third of the world's population-- do not have access to sanitary disposal of their waste, and it is a killer. Globally more people have access to cell phones than toilets. Remember the infamous latrine scene in Slumdog Millionaire, pictured above?
This is more than an issue of health. This year the UN theme draws attention to the risks for women and girls in many parts of the world. They are regularly attacked and sexually assaulted when they head into secluded areas to relieve themselves, their only option.
The theme for the UN World Toilet Day 2014 is "Equality, Dignity and the Link Between Gender-Based Violence and Sanitation", which seeks to raise awareness on the threat of sexual violence that women and girls face due to the lack of privacy as well as the inequalities present in toilet usability. "A staggering 1.25 billion women and girls would enjoy greater health and increased safety with improved sanitation," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement ahead of the World Toilet Day. http://www.unwater.org/worldtoiletday/home/en/
Why would I write about this in my blog as a Christian pastor? Hundreds of faith-based organizations are involved in providing clean water and improving sanitation in places around the world. They drill wells and build latrines and teach sanitation. Without proper sanitation it is hard to maintain clean sources of water.
Within our own country, organizations such as Frontiers Foundation, started by the late United Church minister Charles Catto, work to create effective water systems on First Nations reserves. We have a shameful record in ensuring that First Nations communities have clean water. Water and sanitation are justice issues and spiritual issues and we can respond.
For some reason sanitation is an awkward issue for discussion, so one organization has encouraged people to "talk s**t for a week" to openly get over that reluctance. It's probably a good idea.
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Inflatable Toilet Outside UN Building
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