Fact-Checking the Viral Infographic on Open Defecation

A viral infographic claiming to be from the “Alberta Institute of Data Collection” has been circulating on social media. It depicts India in a highly unfavorable light regarding open defecation rates. However, the accuracy and credibility of this infographic are questionable, and its methodology and data have not been verified.

The infographic’s claim that India has the highest open defecation rates globally, with over 1,000 people practicing open defecation per square kilometer, is not supported by credible sources.

Fact Check

Our investigation at DFRAC exposed a viral infographic claiming India has the worst open-defecation numbers as entirely fabricated. We conducted a reverse image key search of data mentioned in the infographic, “Alberta Institute of Data Collection” and upon investigation, it was revealed that no such institute exists. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (JMP), India has made significant progress in reducing open defecation, with a decline of approximately 85% between 2000 and 2022.

To verify the claim mentioned in the infographics, we extended our analytical research to figure out the reality. The key findings that we found are as folows-

1. 85% reduction in open defecation: India achieved significant progress between 2000 and 2022, surpassing Sub-Saharan Africa (Our World in Data, January 6, 2024).
2. Low open-defecation rate: India’s open-defecation rate stands at 11% (WHO’s latest data, 2022), lower than in several African countries.
3. Regional shift: Open defecation proportions shifted from South Asia (mainly India) to Sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2022 (World Bank blog, November 17, 2023).

Open Defecation Rates (2022)

Reduction in Open Defecation (2000-2022)

A recent report by Statista, based on WHO data, highlights significant reductions in open defecation in several countries, including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nepal, and India, from 70-85% in 2000 to 7-20% in 2022. India, in particular, has made notable progress, investing billions in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign, which has reduced open defecation to 11% by 2022.

Further, we went ahead and researched the data provided by the Ministry of Jal Shakti which depicts that “
The country has achieved yet another major milestone under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) with half of the total villages in the country i.e., 50% villages achieving ODF Plus status under phase II of the Mission. An ODF Plus village is one which has sustained its Open Defecation Free (ODF) status along with implementing either solid or liquid waste management systems. As on date, more than 2.96 lakh villages have declared themselves ODF Plus, which is a significant step towards achieving the SBM-G phase II goals by 2024-25.”

Conclusion

Our investigation at DFRAC, revealed that the viral infographic claiming India has the worst open-defecation numbers is entirely fabricated. The infographic’s methodology and data were found to be false, with no credible sources to support the claim.