UNICEF Redoubles Efforts to Wipe Out Open Defecation in Nigeria

In response to the widespread prevalence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating open defecation in the country. This renewed pledge was made by Jane Bevan, UNICEF’s Chief of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), during a two-day media dialogue focused on the critical role of improved sanitation in fostering health, economic growth, and environmental resilience.

Bevan emphasized that UNICEF’s goal is to create a sustainable future where access to proper sanitation facilities becomes the norm, significantly reducing health risks associated with poor hygiene practices. She noted that ending open defecation is not only a matter of public health but also an essential step towards achieving broader development goals.

According to UNICEF data, approximately 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, particularly in rural areas where access to proper sanitation facilities remains limited. The lack of adequate toilets and sanitation infrastructure in these regions exacerbates the spread of diseases such as NTDs, which thrive in environments where hygiene standards are low.

The persistence of open defecation has become a pressing health issue in Nigeria, contributing to the spread of NTDs such as schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and trachoma. These diseases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially children, and hinder the country’s overall development by increasing healthcare costs and reducing productivity.

In light of these challenges, some citizens have commended the Lagos State government for its proactive measures in providing public toilets and promoting their use in strategic locations throughout the state. This initiative has helped curb the practice of open defecation, serving as a model for other states to follow. However, there are calls for other states, particularly Oyo State, to intensify efforts in combating open defecation. Critics argue that reliance on pit latrines, which are still common in many areas, is an unhygienic method of waste disposal that poses serious health risks.

Advocates are urging all levels of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to collaborate in making Nigeria an open defecation-free country. They stress the need for more investment in sanitation infrastructure, community-led total sanitation programs, and sustained public awareness campaigns. The media is also being called upon to play a crucial role in sensitizing the public about the dangers of open defecation and the benefits of adopting safe sanitation practices.

Ending open defecation in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that includes both infrastructural development and behavior change. As UNICEF continues to champion this cause, there is hope that with collective action, the country can achieve its sanitation goals and reduce the burden of NTDs on its population.