-Ms. Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator
Globally, November 19 is celebrated as World
Toilet Day to inspire action to tackle the
global sanitation crisis. Since 2013, the United Nations has observed November
19 as World Toilet Day to draw the world's attention to
the importance of accessible toilets and their role in
improving hygiene and health around the world. The theme for this
year’s World Toilet Day was “Leaving No One Behind”. Based on this theme, ENPHO and Paschim Paaila
celebrated World Toilet Day organizing events solely and in collaboration with
Guthi, WaterAid Nepal, KMC and other organizations to raise awareness and mark the
day.
The event included Toilet
Walk-a-thon and Exhibition. Toilet Walk-a-thon was organized in
collaboration with GUTHI, WaterAid Nepal and other organization whereas Exhibition was organized by ENPHO and Paschim Paaila.
Event Highlights:
1 1. Toilet Walk-a-thon: In support of WaterAid Nepal, GUTHI in
collaboration with KMC, Paschim Paaila, ENPHO and other 13 organizations and
academics like UEMS, Autism Care Nepal, Kathmandu University, Tribhuvan
University organized Toilet Walk-a-thon on 19 November, 2019 on the occasion of
World Toilet Day to advocate for better public toilets and safely managed
sanitation. The route of Toilet Walk-a-thon covered 8 public toilets started
from Bhrikuti Mandap and ended at Basantapur.
More than 300 people including youths, WASH
professionals and practitioners, political leaders, government officials and
media personal became a part of the rally. A mobile toilet led the rally which
became center of attraction for the public. Former Environment Minister Ganesh
Shah insisted that Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) should now come into consideration with safe and clean public toilets during closing remarks of the
event.
2. Exhibition: An exhibition stall was
placed near the public toilet opposite of Bir Hospital to aware and share information
related to Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) to general public on 19 November, 2019. The message related to FSM was shared displaying various information,
education and communication (IEC) materials which included posters, leaflets,
booklets, manuals and case studies. A model of FSM was displayed in the stall
which remained main attraction for visitors. Also the result of KAP survey was disseminated
in the stall. More than 350 general public visited the exhibition stall.
