Time to reflect on a modern health crisis

Up to 2.5 billion people all over the world lack a decent latrine, and 10.6 children under 5 have died because of this since 2000. Water and sanitation are the building blocks of public health and cannot be ignored anymore in the post-2015 agenda, writes Margaret Batty, global director of policy and campaigns at WaterAid.

By Margaret Batty // 19 November 2014

It’s one of the greatest health challenges facing the planet today — and one of the most overlooked.

World Toilet Day reminds us of a figure too often forgotten: 2.5 billion people on Earth do not have a decent, private, sanitary place in which to relieve themselves.

An estimated 10.6 million children under the age of 5 have died since 2000 because they lacked access to a hygienic toilet, safe water, and good hygiene — more children than the entire population of New York or London.

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About the author

Margaret Batty
Margaret Batty is the Director of Global Policy and Campaigns at WaterAid. She has over 20 years' professional experience working in an international capacity for the voluntary sector, including Age Concern, local government, central government, EU institutions and the United Nations.