FG, UNICEF vows to end open defecation in Nigeria

The United Nations  Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Federal Government, on Thursday, said it is imperative to end open defecation in Nigeria, stating that the practice is detrimental to the health of the citizens.

The Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene [WASH], UNICEF Nigeria, Jane Bevan, and the Deputy Director,  ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ Campaign, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mrs. Chizoma Opara, made the call at a two-day media dialogue on “Ending Open Defecation And Elimination of  Neglected Tropical Diseases [NTD]” in Lagos.

Opara and Bevan maintained that no efforts should be spared in ending the practice of defecating openly.

The UNICEF boss said proper hygiene was pivotal to ending open defecation, pointing out that strong political will would be needed to end the bad habit.

Bevan said: “We all need political will to tackle open defecation. We need to make it real and make washing our hands a priority. This is what the media needs to do so that we can put an end to open defecation.”

On her part, Opara, who lamented that 48 million Nigerians still defecate openly, emphasised that by addressing open defecation, Nigeria could reduce the transmission of NTDs, and experience improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

The Deputy Director of the federal ministry said: “Today, we gather to shed light on a crucial aspect of Public Health that affects millions of Nigerians: the intricate relationship between Open Defecation and the spread of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

“Open Defecation, a practice that persists in many parts of our country, with about 48 million persons engaging in the act in Nigeria (WASHNORM 2021),  is a sanitation and hygiene-related issue and a significant contributor to the spread of NTDs. Diseases like onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, Trachoma, Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminthiasis(STH)  etc. are transmitted through contaminated soil and faeces, perpetuating a cycle of poverty, malnutrition, and ill health.

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“By addressing Open Defecation, we can significantly reduce the transmission of NTDs, improved sanitation and hygiene practices can break the cycle of infection, protecting vulnerable populations, especially children and women.

“Through this dialogue, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of ending Open Defecation and its impact on NTD elimination. We will explore strategies for collaboration, share success stories, and discuss challenges in achieving a Nigeria free from Open Defecation and NTDs.

“Let us work together to create a healthier, more prosperous future for all Nigerians.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of  Oyo State Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Babalola Afobaje, lauded UNICEF and Governor Seyi Makinde of the state for their support for the agency and for providing a level playing ground to end open defecation among the rural dwellers.

Afobaje said the agency would make judicial use of the opportunities provided for the WASH project.

He also stressed the need for increased funding for the open defecation project.

Highlights of the programme include a panel discussion,  featuring WASH experts from UNICEF, Water Aid, and United States Agency for International Development – Lagos Urban WASH (USAID-LUWASH), along with a representative from the private sector.

The panel provided insights into how various stakeholders could contribute to the open defecation campaign in Nigeria.