World Toilet Day Event in DC Nov. 19

On Thursday, November 19, please join CSIS and partners in commemorating World Toilet Day. While many people who have access to a toilet might consider this a humorous concept, the global sanitation crisis necessitates that a spotlight be shined on both the severity of the problem and the promising solutions. Join us on the lawn of the United States Capitol to learn about, and give voice to, the 2.5 billion people who lack access to a toilet and the 1.8 million people who die annually as a result.

The event will consist of short speeches by experts, an informational demonstration, the "Sanitation is Dignity" exhibit, and will be covered by the media. Participants will include: Senator Durbin (Invited), Representative Blumenauer (Invited), Representative Payne (Invited), Water Advocates, WaterAid, CSIS, Water For People, National Resources Defense Council, Earth Day Network and others.

Thursday, November 19, 2009, 12:30pm- 1:00pm
West Front Grassy Area of the United States Capitol Building (facing Washington Monument). Near Corner of 1st Street NW & Constitution Ave NW. Union Station is the nearest metro stop.

Background on the sanitation crisis:

2.5 billion people throughout the developing world do not have access to a safe way to dispose of their human waste. As a result, almost half of the people in the developing world are suffering from illnesses that are spread through human excrement (such as cholera, intestinal worms, and diarrhea) and more children die each year from these diseases than from HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria combined).

The lack of sanitation also strips people of their dignity, contaminates the environment, and exacerbates gender inequality in education. It also impedes economic progress: Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam cumulative lose $9 billion a year through health costs, lost tourism income, and reduced economic productivity.

Yet solving this crisis is achievable using new innovations and simple technology. According to the World Health Organization, every dollar spent on proper sanitation generates, on average, a $9 economic return.

Please see this video by WTOP on last last year's World Toilet Day Event. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kuI-50DzzU&feature=player_embedded