By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has intensified efforts to eradicate open defecation and prevent recurring cholera outbreaks with the official flag-off of an Open Defecation-Free (ODF) campaign and cholera prevention advocacy in Jama’are, Misau and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas.
The campaign, funded by the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) project and implemented by WaterAid Nigeria, was launched on Friday in Jama’are as part of broader initiatives aimed at improving sanitation and public health across vulnerable communities.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, expressed optimism that Jama’are, Misau and Tafawa Balewa would soon attain Open Defecation-Free status and join other certified local government areas in the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed toward improving sanitation and hygiene through stronger collaboration with development partners, traditional institutions and grassroots stakeholders.
According to the commissioner, the campaign is designed to promote behavioural change, strengthen public awareness and reduce the spread of sanitation-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea, especially among women and children.
Dambam described indiscriminate defecation as a dangerous and primitive practice that poses severe threats to public health and the environment through contamination of land, air and water resources.
He disclosed that between 45 and 50 million Nigerians still practise open defecation, particularly in rural communities, adding that poverty, lack of toilets, ignorance and poor sanitation habits remain major contributing factors.
The commissioner noted that sanitation-related infections continue to claim the lives of over 100,000 children under the age of five annually, while the economic impact of poor sanitation is estimated at over N455 billion nationwide.
He explained that the state government had already inaugurated a multi-sectoral State Cholera Steering Committee and Technical Working Group involving key ministries and agencies to tackle recurring outbreaks and improve sanitation services across communities.
Dambam commended communities that contributed funds toward the construction of household toilets, describing the development as a strong indication of growing public support for achieving an ODF Bauchi State.
Speaking on behalf of WaterAid Nigeria, State Task Team Lead, Mashat Mallo, called for intensified collaboration among stakeholders to sustain the campaign beyond the lifespan of the project.
He explained that the SHF project focuses on expanding sanitation facilities in homes and public places, including markets, worship centres and motor parks, while also promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives capable of generating economic opportunities for women and youths.
Mallo, however, expressed concern over the financial difficulties faced by many households in constructing toilets, warning that the absence of sanitation facilities in even one household could contribute to the spread of cholera within communities.
Also speaking, the Acting Managing Director of Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Bala Zailani, disclosed that 21 communities in Tafawa Balewa had already been certified ODF, while several others were undergoing various stages of verification.
Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Jama’are, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammadu Wabi, the Emir of Misau, Alhaji Ahmed Sulaiman, and the Gung Zaar, Marcus Koko Yake, pledged full support toward sustaining improved sanitation practices and ending open defecation across their domains.
The chairmen of Jama’are, Misau and Tafawa Balewa local government councils also assured residents of continued support to ensure the successful implementation of the campaign and eventual attainment of ODF status in their respective areas.
0 Comments