UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Christian Munduate, has rasied the alarm that 619,000 people still practise open defecation in Kaduna State, despite the declaration of nine LGAs in the state as open defecation-free (ODF).
According to Munduate, this figure highlights the dangers associated with open defecation.
She expressed concern over the number during the Kaduna State Open Defecation-Free event, where nine out of the 23 LGAs were declared ODF certified on Friday.
The Country Representative noted that with 40 per cent of communities in the state now ODF certified and nine LGAs validated, there is much to celebrate.
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“While we applaud the construction of improved toilets in the celebrated LGAs, which now stand at an impressive average of 90%, it is concerning that only about 30% of the state’s population resides in these ODF LGAs. Clearly. More needs to be done.
“Sixty per cent of the population in Kaduna, which is 619,000 people, still practise open defecation. This means that these people are exposed to the dangers of this practice. This statistic is worrisome and underscores the need for concerted efforts and genuine commitments to eliminate open defecation in Kaduna,” she said.
Munduate also advocated for a renewed push towards achieving zero open defecation as quickly as possible.
She highlighted that the benefits of improved sanitation extended beyond immediate health outcomes, contributing to broader goals such as sustainable development, education, gender equality, and poverty reduction.
Numerous studies have shown that open defecation significantly contributes to the spread of diarrheal diseases, infant mortality, malnutrition, and increased poverty. By addressing this issue, she said, “we are not only safeguarding the health of our communities but also promoting a more equitable and prosperous society.”
She also mentioned that these efforts aligned with the Federal Government’s Clean Nigeria initiative, specifically the “Use the Toilet” Campaign, which aims to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025.
Munduate reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting access to quality and sustained WASH services in Kaduna State.
In his remarks, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, affirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving zero open defecation in the state.
He also commended UNICEF for its efforts, which led to the declaration of nine LGAs as ODF free.
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