“Worldwide more people have cell phones than a toilet."

Large populations in places such as Andhra Pradesh and other regions in India continue to be left out of the conversation on public health. The number of toilets has increased, but effective infrastructure and community involvement necessary for waste management are still lacking.

When there are no toilets for the public, the reasonable thing to do is openly defecate. Jack Sim, aka Mr. Toilet, a social entrepreneur turned social activist has taken his message to the streets with humorous performances in order to start the conversation. Education about the health hazards of defecating in the public is necessary for maintaining a healthy community.

Nations such as Singapore have an effective waste management system due to rapid modernization and strict laws about cleanliness that shape cultural values. What we often forget in the West, however, is that a good waste management system calls for much broader infrastructure and lots of energy to transport waste and clean water. 

While on the surface open defecation appears to be an easy fix, Mr. Toilet shows us that the reality is far more complicated.

You can find more information about the project at Flush Revolution.

You can also go to TAKE ACTION NOW to call on world leaders everywhere to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for everyone.