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Human development - why do billions still lack basic sanitation?

This BBC article highlights an oft-overlooked aspect of development: the need for basic sanitation. Over 2 billion people lack access to basic toilets, despite technological advances in toilets that would improve sanitation. However, the problem seems to be that the technology requires regular maintenance that is most easily provided in urban areas - hence, at the moment, there has been little take-up of these devices.

Over half the earth’s people lack toilets or sanitation safe enough to avoid contaminating drinking water. That water kills 500,000 children under 5 each year.

Indefensible effects of global capitalism’s inequality.https://t.co/jvLQF1Ln67

— Richard D. Wolff (@profwolff) November 25, 2018

In an era of technological miracles, we can and must meet people’s basic needs. More than half the global population lacks proper toilets and sanitation. Clean, hygienic facilities are essential to people’s dignity, and to public health. https://t.co/FI8XWodwYX #WorldToiletDay pic.twitter.com/ifYnavsGFd

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 19, 2018

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