Open defecation facilitates the transmission of pathogens and parasites, such as hookworms, which can enter the body through unprotected feet or contaminated water sources. These infections can lead to anemia and other health complications, further exacerbating malnutrition among vulnerable children.
Similarly, poor sanitation and hygiene practices is a leading cause of disease, and its impact on children is particularly troubling. It contributes not only to immediate health crises like malnutrition and stunting, which affects 37 per cent of Nigerian children under five but also threatens their long-term physical and cognitive development, directly undermining the future of the nation. Again, UNICEF estimates that about 122,000 Nigerians die annually from diarrheal diseases, a staggering figure predominantly affecting the most vulnerable under five children.
Apart from this, open defecation is a critical public health concern, leading to severe consequences such as the spread of diseases. These suggest that the connection between open defecation and public health cannot be overstated. As such, the implications of not addressing open defecation extend beyond public health; they hinder socio-economic growth and development; and the link between improved sanitation and a healthier nation is undeniable.
For instance, the impact of open defecation disproportionately affects women and girls, who bear an additional burden in this crisis as they face harassment and violence when seeking privacy in open spaces, undermining their dignity and safety. Thus, access to proper sanitation facilities is essential for empowering women and promoting gender equality. When women are provided with safe and accessible toilets, their ability to participate fully in society and the economy is significantly enhanced. Therefore, the provision of toilets is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental issue of dignity and gender equality. When women have safe access to sanitation, they can reclaim their autonomy, attend school, and participate fully in society.
Specifically on education, poor sanitation facilities in schools contribute to lower attendance rates among children. Many students may avoid school due to a lack of safe toilet facilities or because they are ill from sanitation-related diseases. This hampers their educational progress and future opportunities. Obviously, the implications of open defecation on the health and well-being of children in Nigeria are profound, affecting their physical health, nutritional status, safety, dignity, and educational opportunities.
Furthermore, according to UNICEF with approximately 11 million toilets needed nationwide to combat open defecation effectively, the implications for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all by 2030 is profound. Therefore, addressing this public health crisis of open defecation is crucial not only for improving immediate health outcomes but also for fostering long-term development and well-being for future generations.
Although, the Nigerian government’s commitment to eradicate open defecation by 2025 aligns with global targets, it requires more than just political will. Hence, efforts to eradicate open defecation in Nigeria must prioritize comprehensive sanitation solutions that include education, infrastructure development, and community engagement to create lasting change. In addition, it demands significant financial investment and innovative solutions; and estimates suggest that approximately 100 billion Naira is needed annually to construct nearly 20 million toilets, both in households and public spaces. The public sector alone may not be able to provide the funds.
Therefore, addressing sanitation infrastructure involves a multi-faceted approach.So, to realize the ambitious goal of eliminating open defecation by 2025, Nigeria must mobilise resources effectively; and collaborate with the private sector to contribute not only funding but also provide innovative financing solutions and infrastructure development to support this national effort.
The private sector can also be involved in sanitation marketing to promote affordable and appropriate toilet technologies. This includes developing low-cost, eco-friendly toilet designs that are suitable for various socio-economic contexts.
Leveraging technology telecommunications companies can use their platforms to share sensitisation messages on the health risks linked to open defecation, promote the dignity that comes with proper sanitation and the profound benefits of proper sanitation, creating a groundswell of demand for behaviour change that promotes hygiene practices at the grassroots level. All said, public-private partnerships can leverage resources and expertise, to enhance the impact of sanitation initiatives, thereby alleviating some burden from the government.
Again, given that we must increase the annual construction rate of toilets from the current 200,000 to nearly 3.9 million, it is important to incentivise local entrepreneurs to establish sanitation businesses and create jobs while directly addressing community needs. So, in this endeavour, the country is not merely building toilets; it is laying the foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
In addition, engaging communities through initiatives like Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) provides a platform to deploy culturally sensitive messages and also use dialogue as a tool to dismantle deep-rooted norms, misconceptions about hygiene, and the stigma surrounding sanitation facilities which are some of the cultural barriers that perpetuate open defecation. Culturally, addressing the stigma surrounding toilet use and challenging entrenched practices are equally vital to changing behaviours.
Enhancing public facilities is paramount, especially in urban areas where open defecation remains prevalent. Constructing toilets in markets, schools, transport hubs, and health centers can ensure that all community members have access. A robust maintenance culture will also need to be established to keep these facilities functional over time.
To achieve these goals, coordination among federal, state, and local governments is critical; while establishing dedicated sanitation funds and enforcing policies that mandate adequate sanitation infrastructure in new developments will ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing this public health crisis.
By investing in sanitation, the country is investing in the health, dignity, and future of Nigeria’s children and women; and by prioritising sanitation initiatives, we are safeguarding the health and well-being of our children and women, fostering a more equitable society. The call to action is clear and stakeholders at all levels: government, private sector, and civil society must collaborate effectively to eliminate open defecation. The path to a healthier Nigeria hinges on commitment to ending open defecation.
