Bill Gates, a renowned American billionaire and philanthropist, recently paid a visit to the Sewer Museum in Brussels to learn more about the city’s wastewater system. On November 19th, which was celebrated as World Toilet Day, Gates descended into the sewage network and explored its intricate workings.
In a video posted on Instagram, Gates is seen going down into a sewer and meeting with scientists to understand the complex nature of Brussels’ water waste system. The caption for the video read: “I delved into the hidden history of Brussels’ sewage system—and the role of wastewater in global health—for this year’s #WorldToiletDay.”
Gates has been actively advocating for better sanitation and hygiene through various public stunts, such as drinking water from “fecal sludge” and taking a whiff of pit latrine odor. His efforts are part of his commitment to solving global issues through The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which he runs with his ex-wife.
World Toilet Day aims to raise awareness about sanitation issues by highlighting the importance of sanitation and hygiene, as well as the repercussions of inadequate access to water in low- and middle-income countries. This annual United Nations Observance was first celebrated in 2001 by the World Toilet Organization and has been an observance since 2013. The day serves as a reminder that better sanitation and hygiene are essential for improving public health and well-being worldwide.