The importance of clean urinals in every home

We're all aware of the line which says, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

And toilet cleanliness is essential for all human beings because it is the place where all the germs and bacteria start attacking the human body.

But did you know that in a study conducted 2017 found that there are more Filipinos who own a cellphone than a toilet?

Aside from that, the World Health Organization (WHO) tallies that there are over two billion people all over the world who don't have proper toilets in their homes and resort to open defecation --- seven million of this number are Filipinos.

That is why in 2017, the Department of Health (DOH) introduced the Zero Defecation Program, which aims to eradicate the defecation in public places by 2023 and provide every household with one urinal by 2030.

Engr. Rolando Ilaya Santiago Supervising Health Program Officer of DOH states that the program stresses the importance of proper urinal systems concerning the health of every Filipino.

He explained, “Ang pagdumi sa kung saan saan ay delikado kasi nako-contaminate nito ang ating water sources at ating kalupaan.

“Ang open defecation ay delikado rin dahil maari itong makapag-dulot ng karamdaman o sakit tulad ng viral at bacterial diseases, o kaya naman parasites.

“Ang mga sakit ay maaring hepatitis, cholera, o typhoid, at mga parasitic infections tulad sa sakit sa balat o impeksyon tulad ng pagtatae.

“Kaya ang pag-practice ng open defecation ay delikado hindi lamang sa isang indibidwal, hindi lamang sa isang pamilya, but sa kabuuan ng isang pamayanan.”

DOH Supervising Health Program Officer Engr. Rolando Ilaya Santiago / Source: GMA Public Affairs (YouTube)

According to studies, one gram of human feces may contain 10 million viruses, one million bacteria, 1000 parasite cysts, and 100 parasite eggs.

Hence, the Department of Health reckons a total of 3.5 million urinals must be allocated at the National Capital Region alone.

“Ang ibinibigay na tulong DOH ay ang teknikal na aspeto nito. Sinasanay po natin ang mga mamayan sa mga environmental sanitation program.

“Kami rin po ay namimili ng toilet bowls at ito po ay ipinamamahagi natin sa ating local government units (LGU).”

Through this partnership, the governing body can target small communities that lack this sanitary fixture.

He added, “Ang stratehiya na ginagawa po namin ay 'Shock, Shame, and Disgust.'

“Shock, ginugulat po namin sila sa ginagawa nilang pag-dumi kung saan-saan. Shame, ipinaparamdam po ang pagkahiya doon sa pagdumi kung saan saan. At ganun din po ang Disgust o pandidiri sa pag-open defecate.”

Aside from the SSD-strategy, the Department of Health also observes World Toilet Day every November 19th by conducting a Zero Open Defecation Program in a select barangay.

Through this program, the public gets inspired to take action and tackle the sanitation crisis in their own homes. They also get to learn the benefits of having clean toilets.

Keep your toilets pristine / Source: freepik.com

How do you keep your toilets clean?

Maintenance of the sanitation area is as necessary as the cleaning process. Make it a habit to properly clean and sanitize urinals to prevent infectious diseases caused by germs.

You can do the following to keep your toilets spick and span:

• Install an exhaust fan for proper ventilation and purchase toilet fresheners.
• Make sure there's an ample supply of water, cleanser, and tissue papers for everyone.
• When flushing, always close the toilet lid to prevent the spread of droplets that may contain microbes from urine, feces, and vomit.
• Clean your urinal at least once or twice a week.
• Schedule a general cleaning at least once a month.
• Make sure there are no stains on the floor.
• Never flush toilet papers in the urinal to prevent clogging.
• Wash your hands after every use of the toilet.

A clean toilet is not a luxury but a basic sanitary need. Cleanliness is paramount because it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk and spread of disease.

The benefits of clean toilets are endless, so if everyone takes personal responsibility to ensure that their bathrooms are clean, life will be more pleasant and hygienic for everyone.