LIXIL marks World Toilet Day 2020, improving sanitation for 21 million people
On November 19, LIXIL celebrates World Toilet Day 2020 by marking improved access to toilets for 21 million people in over 38 countries. As part of the commemoration, LIXIL will release the first progress report for the ‘Make a Splash!’ partnership with UNICEF, highlighting joint efforts to end open defecation and provide access to clean and safe toilets in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. LIXIL continues to expand its contribution to improving global sanitation and hygiene with a series of global marketing and awareness campaigns, its internal “Team Splash” donation-program for employees, and partnerships such as with the Toilet Board Coalition.
Currently, an estimated two billion people – about one-fourth of the global population – live without access to safe, sanitary toilets. 700 children under the age of five die every day due to diarrheal diseases caused by unsanitary conditions. Women or children are placed under risk of being sexually assaulted while trying to find somewhere private to relieve themselves. The lack of toilets in schools also contributes to the gender gap in education – identified as a reason why teenage girls feel they are no longer able to attend classes. The lack of a safe and clean toilet comes with a devastating human cost, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inequalities in access to water services around the world.