UNICEF says diarrheal diseases stemming from inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene kill over 800 children under five-years-old every day. Using proper toilets and hand washing – preferably with soap – prevents the transfer of bacteria, viruses and parasites found in human
feces which otherwise contaminate water resources, soil and food. This contamination is a major cause of diarrhea, the second biggest killer of children worldwide, and leads to other major diseases such as cholera, schistosomiasis, and trachoma.
Check out this 15 minute TED talk, where investigative journalist Rose George discusses the ongoing battle against poor sanitation and provides a solution to a situation that no one wants to talk about.