Since 2013, the world has recognized World Toilet Day annually on November 19 to inspire action on the global sanitation crisis. As the United Nations explains, toilets save lives as human waste can spread diseases. Yet, one in five healthcare facilities worldwide lack proper sanitation.
Hundreds of thousands of deaths globally can be linked to the absence of good sanitation. In 2019, Zurn joined the cause, pledging products, funding and awareness-building to help people facing sanitation issues around the globe. We donated 140 toilets to be installed in hospitals and clinics across Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa starting in 2020. We have a continuing commitment to supporting communities in need.
Working with partners Plumbers Without Borders and Build Health International, our donated toilets will be installed in healthcare facilities to help support human health through proper plumbing.
As an example, Zurn toilets have been donated for installation in Haiti, starting with the new St. Rock Hospital on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince to support the growing population.
“Zurn’s incredible gift will help ensure that the new St. Rock Hospital in Haiti has the highest quality sanitation system – keeping patients safe and protecting hospital staff while they save lives,” says Build Health International.
According to the United Nations, 4.2 billion people live without safely managed sanitation. This contributes to 432,000 diarrheal deaths that occur annually. Sadly, nearly 300,000 children under five die from diarrhea each year as a result of unsafe drinking water, sanitation and hand hygiene.*
As the Zurn Foundation and our brands continue working to support our communities and those in need, we’re proud that our expertise in hygienic products can help increase access to clean water and sanitation to help save more lives.
* Source: www.un.org/en/events/toiletday/