Nigeria risk waterborne disease crisis, health Initiative warns

Rite Place Health Initiative (RPHI) has cautioned against an imminent waterborne disease crisis in Nigeria if the government fails to pay close attention to providing quality water to Nigerians rather than just improving access.
[ad]
According to the initiative, most Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are linked to water with many being waterborne, water-related, or water-associated, stressing the need to improve access to quality water supply.

RPHI Executive Director, Chukwumezie Okechukwu Okolo, who raised this alarm at an event in Abuja ahead of upcoming 2024 International Water Conference tagged, “Beyond Access, Quality Matters,” stressed the need for the gathering to highlight the alarming state of water quality in Nigeria and its effect on already impoverished Nigerians.

While raising concerns on the potability of water in Nigeria, including bottled and sachet water, he regretted that the water Nigerians consume is a risky proposition, advising the government to tackle both quality and access to water simultaneously to prevent waterborne diseases.

On the upcoming conference, Okolo explained that the conference is aimed at mobilising stakeholders to tackle the issue of water quality in Africa, adding that the Initiative is proactively addressing the critical public health concerns.

He noted that the body firmly believes that access to clean water is a fundamental human entitlement and ensuring that all Africans have access to potable water is their moral imperative as anything less is unacceptable.
[ad]
He further explained that the conference seeks to achieve several objectives, including the inauguration of volunteers, the launch of a quarterly magazine, and the solicitation of partnerships to support the provision of clean quality water to primary healthcare centres.

“We will intensify our efforts to collect data that will reveal the true extent of water-related mortalities and morbidities.

“Additionally, Rite Place Health Initiative is committed to collaborating with local and International partners to address the root causes of waterborne diseases.

“We recognize that this is a shared responsibility, and we must work together to ensure that all Nigerians have access to clean, quality water.

“Prioritising water quality is essential to safeguard public health and ensure a brighter future for generations to come,” he added.
[ad]