WTO, WASTE and FINISH signed MoU to end open defecation in India

Three global organisations on 24 November 2014 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end open defecation in India. The agreement is for three years.

These three organisations are the World Toilet Organisation (WTO), WASTE and the Financial Inclusion Improves Sanitation and Health (FINISH). They share the common goal of making sanitation accessible and affordable to all citizens.

The MoU was signed to share best practices in the sanitation sector and help millions of Indians gain access to basic sanitation facilities.

The objective of the agreement is to support the Central government in making the country free of open defecation and promoting sustained usage of sanitation systems.

Status of open defecation in India
Open defecation is the practice of defecating outside or in public. It can be the outcome of cultural practices or having no access to toilets.

India has the largest number of people defecating in open in the world. Globally, India continues to be the country with the highest number of people (597 million people) practising open defecation as per the United Nations report the Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation 2014.