Open defecation in Nigeria worrisome – UNICEF

The high prevalence of open defecation in Nigeria remains a serious concern as it exacerbates the progression of the neglected tropical diseases in the country and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is seeking an end to open defecation practice to eliminate neglected tropical diseases in the country.

Open defecation is the human practice of defecating outside rather than into a toilet. People may choose fields, bushes, forests, ditches, streets, canals, or other open spaces for defecation. They do so either because they do not have a toilet readily accessible or due to traditional cultural practices.

According to the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping Report 2021, 48 million people are practicing open defecation in Nigeria, representing 24 per cent of the population.

Out of the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, only 126 are open defecation free and this remains a serious concern, especially as open defecation is a major driver of neglected tropical diseases.

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Ebonyi State has the highest prevalence of open defecation in Nigeria with 73 per cent followed by Plateau, Kogi, Oyo, Kwara and Kebbi states. Only Jigawa state is open defecation free in Nigeria while Katsina is coming close with 77% of its LGAs open defecation free.

UNICEF Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Jane Bevan called on community leaders, traditional leaders, religion leaders and all stakeholders to work together to create public awareness against open defecation practice so as to ensure healthy living.

She said that with consistent sensitisation and enlightenment on the dangers of open defecation practice, more local government areas and states in Nigeria could attain open defecation free status towards elimination of neglected tropical diseases in the country.