For most of us living in cities, toilets are something we take for granted. As a mother, I am extra careful that the toilets in my home are kept clean and germ free and that my children follow the right hygiene after using the toilet. Alas, I did not realize that this basic right was a privilege I had!
Yes, this very basic of human rights is not available to 2.5 billion people globally.
In India alone, 60% of the population has no access to proper sanitation, according to a UNICEF report. Most of the people squat in open fields, close to the railway tracks or defecate in the open. Not only does this deny them the right to live with dignity but also opens doors for infection, disease and death. This is coupled with a problem of lack of awareness of hygiene. Many of the toilets are not maintained properly. People using public toilets also do it shabbily often not flushing properly or dirtying the toilets. Try using a toilet in any Indian train, and you will know what I am talking about. All this open defecation is a great danger to our health.
It is shocking to know that 2000 children die every day around the world from diarrhea. Most of these deaths can be prevented with better hygiene and simple handwashing if only people were more aware. To facilitate better sanitation, UNICEF has launched the CATS (Community Approaches to Total Sanitation) Program to improve access to sanitation for thousands of people worldwide. Domestos and Unilever Foundation have joined hands with UNICEF in the noble endeavor. CATS program aims at creating awareness about this very urgent issue and mobilize support from individuals to drive governments to take action. The program also works at spreading awareness about good hygiene and best practices, so that most of our children live beyond their 5th birthday!
This program is already active in 50 countries around the world and has improved the lives of 12.5 million people!
Domestos is actively supporting this cause and will donate 5% of its average proceeds from the sale of specifically marked bottles for this wonderful cause. This is one among the many social initiatives from the Unilever Foundation that endeavors to radically transform the lives of over 1 billion people worldwide to a healthier and safe life. Domestos is also actively reaching out to children in countries in Asia, Africa and South America to create awareness.
And you and I can help by doing our bit for this extremely urgent and pertinent cause.
What can you do?
- Spread awareness about the cause. Talk about the urgent need for access to sanitation for our population through your blogs and social media.
- Tweet about the cause using the tag #mumsfortoilets.
- Donate here to UNICEF’s World Sanitation Program!
- Watch and share the video above to express solidarity with the cause.
- Talk to your children about this worthy cause. Like sponges they absorb information and also help spread it, not necessarily like this cute video :)!
‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness!’
It is time to enable everyone to lead lives of happiness, wellbeing and dignity!
This post has been sponsored by Domestos, but all thoughts are my own!
A good piece of info…will share..
Thanks, Latha!
This is definitely a very thought-provoking post. I can easily connect to the importance of this. The suggestions you have given are very useful. It would also help to bring in doctors, nurses, those in the medical and para medical areas to also support such initiatives because when they do this, the impact tends to spread faster and tends to have a multiplier effect. Keep writing, Rachna, thanks for this very informative post.
Yes, you brought forth a very important point about the reduction of dependence on medical fraternity if less women fall sick with better awareness and hygiene during menstruation. Thanks for reading, Swapna! Glad you liked the post.
It is truly a sad state. Cleanliness and sanitation are seriously lacking in our country. Last week, I had an opportunity to visit a village and it was shocking to note that each house there has access to TV and mobiles but with no toilet facilities. They still go out in the open fields! And the cleanliness and hygiene in public restrooms, the less said, the better. Thanks for this informative post and this much needed initiative!
Thanks for reading, Shilpa, and for sharing your experience!
Don’t know about the rest of the world but it is one of the main problems we face in India. Hope things change for better.
I hope so too! Yes, it is a problem in most countries around the world except the developed ones! Thanks for reading!
It’s all about governance.While India faces serious issues including cleanliness and sanitation etc.But,problem is attitude and priorities.When did we raise our voice against non issues like SECULARISM and COMUNNALISM.