Toilets around the world

With communities, building toilets that respect custom and tradition


What's in a toilet? Depends on where in the world you are. Flush toilets, dry toilets, sit-down toilets and squat toilets, pit toilets and composting toilets -- the designs are as varied as the world's cultures and traditions. Each community has its preferences and its idea of what is culturally acceptable or desirable. That is why Malteser International works closely with the communities in the area of sanitation to choose a design that suits their needs.

To mark World Toilet Day, we have come up with a selection of toilets which we have helped build or improve around the world. Enjoy!

 

 

Cambodia

Together with our local staff, residents of Cambodian villages selected and built their own latrines. Some built theirs with brick walls and bathing facilities...
Together with our local staff, residents of Cambodian villages selected and built their own latrines. Some built theirs with brick walls and bathing facilities...
Others chose simple pit latrines with houses made of bamboo and grass.
Others chose simple pit latrines with houses made of bamboo and grass.

Haiti

This latrine in an orphanage in Léogâne has an integrated water faucet inside the cabin.
This latrine in an orphanage in Léogâne has an integrated water faucet inside the cabin.

Myanmar

A composting double-pit latrine. 18 months after switching to the second pit, the contents of the first pit can be used as fertilizer.
A composting double-pit latrine. 18 months after switching to the second pit, the contents of the first pit can be used as fertilizer.
The residents of a village build a latrine using locally sourced materials.
The residents of a village build a latrine using locally sourced materials.
With guidance from Malteser International, residents build latrines for their families, schools, and public facilities.
With guidance from Malteser International, residents build latrines for their families, schools, and public facilities.

Pakistan

A latrine in the Swat district in Pakistan counts on simple, yet useful accessories.
A latrine in the Swat district in Pakistan counts on simple, yet useful accessories.
A toilet in Rahim ar Khan before being renovated by Malteser International... (photo: Jorge Scholz)
A toilet in Rahim ar Khan before being renovated by Malteser International... (photo: Jorge Scholz)
...and a toilet in Rahim ar Khan after being renovated by Malteser International. (photo: Jorge Scholz)
...and a toilet in Rahim ar Khan after being renovated by Malteser International. (photo: Jorge Scholz)

South Sudan

The residents of this Maridi community fabricate their own bricks and use local materials to build their new latrines
The residents of this Maridi community fabricate their own bricks and use local materials to build their new latrines
At the new Primary Health Care Unit in Langbua, the water committee is glad to have finished the brand new toilet.
At the new Primary Health Care Unit in Langbua, the water committee is glad to have finished the brand new toilet.

Sri Lanka

A typical Sri Lankan toilet in the Eastern Province
A typical Sri Lankan toilet in the Eastern Province
A Sri Lankan woman washes herself after using her toilet. Photo: Carmen Wolf
A Sri Lankan woman washes herself after using her toilet. Photo: Carmen Wolf