Platforms like Instagram have been successful in establishing craziest trends worldwide. One such unlikely star that came out as a product of such platforms is the poo emoji. Yes, you read that right. The poo emoji, which is basically a smiley depicting a pile of poop with eyes and face, has gained popularity among netizens. But how many times do you think about poop or more specifically where the poop goes i.e. the toilet? November 19 is observed as the World Toilet Day. And so today we will make you think about it. Whether the discussion about #1 or #2 humor you, the toilet remains a serious issue. It is because few understand how to maintain toilet hygiene and fewer have access to the hot seat. Read on to explore the importance of World toilet day and why its hygiene matters.

World Toilet Day - Why is it Needed?

India is a developing country and 2019 has been a year of country-wide achievements. But let's face the fact that even in this era, our government has to run campaigns like Swachh Bharat to emphasize the need for sanitation. Bollywood is jumping in to create films like Toilet - Ek Prem Katha to impact the sanitation crisis. Sadly, the said crisis is global and a large population is made to feel that the toilet is a luxury item. Diverse areas of health and culture are associated with the area called a toilet. Be it menstrual health, women's safety, impact on climate change, fight again casteism (lower caste are subjected to the job of manual scavenging), and others, everything is related to sanitation and hence, the availability of toilet. World Toilet Day is designated to create public awareness, mobilize political will and call for measures to withstand the sanitation hardship.

World Toilet Day Facts

The observance was first marked in the year 2001 by the World Toilet Organization.
It became official under the United Nations in 2013.
The aim of commemorating this day is to help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). According to SDG6, sanitation would be made accessible by all by 2030.
Globally, 673 million people still practice open defecation.
Nearly 2 billion people use contaminated water (with feces) as a drinking water source.

How to Maintain Toilet Hygiene

The theme for World Toilet Day 2019 is 'Leaving No-one Behind'. For those who do not have access to a toilet, concerned authorities should take charge and consider it a basic facility to be provided to all. Countries need such a task force to combat the conflict of lack of sanitation. However, for those who have toilets at home, workspace, and public places, the key is to maintain hygiene. One should ensure to practice the following steps:

Deeply clean the toilet inclusive of the urinal
Use Air fresheners inside the toilet
Wipe and sweep the floor every day
Throw all kinds of trash in the dustbin
Use disinfectants to clean all the areas that can be touched (like the doorknob, hooks, etc.)
Clean mirrors and lights also
Always shut the lid before flushing
Clean your toilet brushes
Make sure the toilet is ventilated
Use toilet seat sanitizer
Wash your hands every time you visit the toilet (irrespective of what you do in there)
Do not use your phone in the toilet

In Conclusion

World Toilet Day draws attention to the fact that the toilet is an inevitable part of all our lives. And it is our responsibility to maintain hygiene to avoid various ailments. The absence of cleanliness can cause cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, influenza and more. It is also our part of the duty, as a society, to reinforce the need for toilet seats for all. Thereby, everyone should be informed on how to maintain toilet hygiene. Next time when you use the toilet, double-check the above-mentioned steps. Also, read about: Health and Hygiene: Important Health and Hygiene Tips For more information or free personalized guidance, feel free to speak to Credihealth expert at +918010994994.