Short answers, pulled from the story.
Nearly one billion people worldwide practiced open defecation in 2015. This reality turned the simple act of relieving oneself into a global public health crisis. The consequences included diarrhea serving as a primary cause of malnutrition and stunted growth in children.
The United Nations General Assembly recognized the human right to water and sanitation in 2010. This recognition was followed by the establishment of Sustainable Development Goal Number 6 which set a target for clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. The goal replaced the Millennium Development Goals in 2016.
Inadequate sanitation cost the Indian economy 6.4% of its GDP in 2015. This economic toll was driven by premature mortality, lost productivity, and healthcare expenses. The World Bank study on India demonstrated that these economic losses were equivalent to 6.4% of its GDP.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge in 2011 to address the global sanitation gap. This initiative spurred the creation of innovations such as the Omni Processor and container-based sanitation systems. The challenge aimed to create solutions that were not only technically viable but also financially sustainable for communities.
The global methane emissions from non-sewered sanitation systems in 2020 were estimated at 377 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. This represented 4.7% of global anthropogenic methane emissions. This non-negligible source of greenhouse gases underscores the need for integrated solutions that address both public health and climate change.