Rufunsa District today joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Toilet Day, a global event that highlights the importance of safe sanitation in promoting public health, dignity, and sustainable development. The commemoration brought together government officials, community leaders, cooperating partners, and residents to reflect on progress made in improving sanitation, while acknowledging the challenges that still persist.
Speaking during the event, Rufunsa District leadership emphasized that access to sanitation is not merely a service but a fundamental driver of health and human dignity. They noted that while the district has made significant strides in improving access to sanitation facilities, more work remains to be done to ensure that every household enjoys safe and dignified sanitation.
The district acknowledged the support of partners such as World Vision Zambia and other organisations that continue to complement government efforts in
strengthening water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services across Rufunsa.
In line with the 2025 World Toilet Day theme, the district committed to accelerating action through:
-
Strengthening community-led total sanitation (CLTS) approaches.
-
Scaling up hygiene promotion and education in schools and communities.
-
Supporting the development and maintenance of improved sanitation infrastructure.
Why Sanitation Matters
During the commemoration, key messages on the importance of toilets were highlighted:
• Protecting Water Sources:
Without proper containment of waste, open defecation and poorly constructed toilets can contaminate drinking water sources. Improved sanitation is therefore essential in safeguarding the water that communities rely on daily.
• Improving Health Outcomes:
Safe sanitation reduces the spread of disease, supports child growth and development, and contributes to healthier, more resilient communities.
• Protecting Women and Girls:
Improved toilets enhance the safety, dignity, and privacy of women and girls, who often bear the responsibility of managing hygiene at household and community levels. Safe facilities also reduce risks associated with travelling long distances to access sanitation.
• Preventing Disease and Reducing Costs:
Clean, improved toilets help prevent waterborne diseases such as cholera, reducing medical expenses, improving productivity, and easing the financial burden on families and the government.
• Supporting Development and Economic Growth:
Investing in sanitation has long-term economic benefits. According to global estimates, Zambia loses approximately 1.3% of its GDP annually due to poor sanitation. Improved sanitation leads to healthier populations, lower health expenditures, and greater productive capacity.
As the commemoration concluded, district authorities urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that every household in Rufunsa gains access to safe, clean, and dignified sanitation facilities. The call to action reinforced the district’s commitment to advancing WASH services as a core component of development.
World Toilet Day in Rufunsa District was officially declared open, with leaders encouraging sustained collaboration to make sanitation a priority for all.