Bathroom. Lavatory. Loo. WC. Restroom. Head. John. The can. Commode. Powder room.
The common toilet goes by many names. And while this modern convenience has become an afterthought for much of the developed world, the Water and Sanitation Program and the World Bank are trying to raise awareness of the 2.5 billion people throughout the world who lack access to basic sanitation.
According to the website for the Water and Sanitation Program, “The health and time-loss impacts of inadequate water and sanitation are valued at least US $260 billion per year, the equivalent of 1.5% of the combined GDP of developing countries.”
The areas of the world with the least access to improved sanitation include 69 percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa and 62 percent of those living in south Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
There’s proof increased investment in sanitation infrastructure pays off, however. Globally every $1 spent on improved sanitation returns $5 through better water quality, reduced disease transmission, increased land value and more.