In 2013, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed November 19 as "World Toilet Day", a crucial date to reflect on the urgency of equitable access to basic sanitation services and raise awareness about access to toilets. Drinking water, an essential resource for life.
Today we fervently join this cause, highlighting the vital need to provide decent bathrooms for all. Let's explore in this entry how adequate sanitation plays a fundamental role in raising the quality of life and health of Honduran communities.
Decent Bathrooms: A cornerstone of public health in Honduras
Decent bathrooms are more than just infrastructure; They represent a cornerstone of our country's public health and a safeguard for the environment. According to WHO standards, a decent bathroom is not just a physical space, but a shelter that must meet the following conditions:
- Have a clean and dry surface.
- Have a door that closes well and prevents the entry of insects or animals.
- Have a window or adequate ventilation to avoid bad odor and humidity.
- Have a drainage system that prevents the accumulation of dirty or contaminated water.
- Have a lighting system that allows you to see the inside of the bathroom well.
- Have a ventilation system that removes harmful gases such as ammonia or hydrogen sulfide.
Dignity begins with the most basic conditions. And we embrace the vision of decent bathrooms as a right, not a privilege.
The Power of sanitation in public health in Honduras
Access to healthcare facilities is an essential human right. Therefore, its absence carries significant risks for public health. In Honduras, numerous communities struggle to obtain decent bathrooms, directly affecting their well-being.
According to the 2023 Permanent Household Survey, 6.5% of Honduran homes lack adequate sanitation, this proportion being higher in rural areas (9.5%). Socioeconomic disparities are also evident, with 10% of the poorest households lacking adequate access to waste disposal.
These figures reveal significant challenges: 60.8% of wealthier residences have toilets connected to dirty water pipes, while only 20.6% use wells with clean water. This inequality highlights the gap that persists in access to basic sanitation.
The Water for People Commitment
As part of World Toilet Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the mission of providing decent toilets to disadvantaged communities in Honduras. Through sustainable projects and close collaboration with local communities, we work tirelessly to ensure that every individual has access to safe and effective healthcare facilities.
Your support is the key to materializing this transformative change. Together, Water for People We can make a difference and build a future in which every person in Honduras enjoys access to decent bathrooms. We want to share our vision with you through the documentary "A Step towards Dignity", a moving collaboration with Kimberly Clark and Discovery Channel that, like this blog post, will broaden your perspective on this reality. Join us on this journey towards a healthier and more dignified Honduras!