Progress in reducing open defecation

Achieving universal access to basic sanitation is one of the critical Sustainable Development Goals. A new report from the UN finds that nearly 700 million people globally are denied toilet facilities and defecate on the street.

The report finds that 91 countries reduced open defecation by a combined total of 696 million people between 2000 and and 2017 but 39 countries experienced increases during the same period. 2.2 billion people around the world do not have safely-managed drinking water, while 4.2 billion go without safe sanitation services and three billion lack basic hand-washing facilities.

India has made significant progress - the percentage of the population without basic indoor toilet facilities has declined from 21% of population in 2000, to 9% in 2017.