Mumbai: World Toilet Day (WTD) is observed every year by the United Nations on 19th November to motivate and mobilize millions around the world on issues of sanitation. On this occasion, Wockhardt Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, known for its committed service to the poor, weak and needy, has achieved a significant milestone by completing the construction of 1119 toilets across India.
Wockhardt Foundation has achieved this mark through 2 of its programmes on sanitation – Bio-Toilets and Swachchalaya. Bio-toilets is a 100% eco-friendly and cost effective waste management concept that decomposes solid waste to water & bio gas; Swachhalaya aims to improve hygiene among masses and construct individual sanitary latrines at schools and communities to accomplish a vision of ‘Clean India’.
The Foundation has constructed these co-jointly with State Bank of India, GAIL, Petronet LNG Ltd, National Highway Authority of India, Rotary Club, Mumbai Municipal Corporation, etc to name a few.
Announcing the milestone, Dr Huz (Huzaifa Khorakiwala) CEO & Trustee, Wockhardt Foundation said, “We are proud to announce the completion of 1119 toilets in the country. Wockhardt Foundation has been working for improving the sanitation in the country. Through our effort, we aim to support our Prime Minister’s vision of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.”
This year, World Toilet Day focuses is on the link between sanitation and nutrition. The purpose is to draw the world’s attention to the importance of toilets in supporting better nutrition and improved health. Lack of access to clean drinking water and sanitation, along with the absence of good hygiene practices, are among the underlying causes of poor nutrition.
According to the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 597 million people practice open defecation in the country.