The vast majority of Africans have no access to a toilet, according to preliminary data from a World Health Organization report to be published later this year.
The WHO-UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program for Water Supply and Sanitation said the data shows 62 percent of Africans and 2.6 billion people worldwide have no toilet at home "and thus are vulnerable to a range of health risks."
"Sanitation is a cornerstone of public health" said WHO's Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan. "Improved sanitation contributes enormously to human health and well-being, especially for girls and women. We know that simple, achievable interventions can reduce the risk of contracting diarrheal disease by a third."
The use of toilets and hand-washing with soap prevents the transfer of bacteria, viruses and parasites that might otherwise contaminate water supplies, soil and food.
"Nearly 40 percent of the world's population lacks access to toilets, and the dignity and safety that they provide," said Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF executive director. "The absence of adequate sanitation has a serious impact on health and social development, especially for children."
It is ridiculous that, at this point in time, 2.6 billion people worldwide do not have access to a modern toilet. There are many health concerns associated with a lack of modern plumbing caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It is also very possible for water supplies to be contaminated by human excrement. Nigeria should take care of this sanitation problem for their country, and perhaps the rest of Africa will follow in suit.
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