Stakeholders have said that private sectors investments in the Clean Nigeria ,Use Toilet campaign is crucial to ending Open Defecation Nigeria .
They argued that government must increased funding and evolve deliberate policies to encourage private sectors partners partnership .
This was the centre point of panel discussions at a two-day media dialogue on “Ending Open Defecation And Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases [NTD]” held at Orchid Hotel, Lagos.
Discussants included WASH experts from UNICEF, Water Aid, and United States Agency for International Development – Lagos Urban WASH (USAID-LUWASH), as well as with a representative from the private sectors
The Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene [WASH], UNICEF Nigeria, Jane Bevan said 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.”
In his remarks, 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.
Dare Adeluyi ,Water Aid ,Sanitation and Hygiene, Lagos Programme said it is high time government moved from mere sloganeering and evolved workable policies which would give private sectors seamless access to invest in the campaign.
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” We have had many policies on paper inntbe past ,which has little on no impact on the project but conscious and deliberate partnership with private sectors would guaranteed investment. There is an open market in the sector.
Joseph Adeyemo Deputy Director of the federal ministry of Water Redources 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.
“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.
The panel provided insights into how various stakeholders could contribute to the open defecation campaign in Nigeria.
