Millions in Pakistan lack toilet access
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 March 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Millions in Pakistan lack toilet access, 9 March 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/550941a215.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
March 09, 2015
A top official of the UN children's agency says more than 40 million people in Pakistan do not have access to a toilet, forcing them to defecate in the open.
As a result, Geeta Rao Gupta, deputy executive director at UNICEF, said many in Pakistan were at risk of "significant health and nutritional consequences."
Pakistan is the third-largest country when it comes to people going to the bathroom in the open, behind India and Indonesia.
Speaking to the AP, Gupta explained the problem can spread disease and lead to intestinal infections, which can contribute to stunting in young children.
Stunting means children don't grow as tall as they would otherwise, and it can also affect a child's brain development.
Stunted children are more at risk of disease, don't do as well in school and stunted mothers can also give birth to stunted children.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
