World Toilet Day

The Ministry of Health in Garissa County in collaboration with key partners Womankind Kenya, Save the Children   and the Kenya Red Cross Society joined the global community in marking World Toilet Day on 19th November at Saka in Balambala Sub-County. The event brought together over 200 participants including community members, local leaders, health officers and other representatives. World toilet day is observed annually to draw attention to the urgent need for safe sanitation and to highlight the far-reaching consequences of inadequate toilet facilities. Both globally and locally, millions still lack access to proper sanitation with many resorting to open defecation. This practice significantly increases the risk of disease outbreaks contributes to child malnutrition and undermines human dignity and environmental health. The commemoration in Saka served as a vital platform to raise awareness on these issues and to advocate for improved sanitation services within the community.

During the event the participants engaged in interactive discussions on the sanitation challenges affecting the area and explored practical, community-based solutions. The theme emphasized throughout the day we will always need the toilet underscored the community urgent call for safe, accessible and sustainable sanitation facilities.