The United Nations Children (Fund UNICEF) on Monday said that poor sanitation increases the risk of life-threatening diseases, especially among children and adolescent girls.
Nuzhat Rafique who is the UNICEF Bauchi Chief Field Office said this during the commemoration of the 2024 World Toilet Day with the theme: Sanitation for peace held at the Hazibal Suite, Bauchi State.
Rafique who was represented by the WASH officer Mrs Dawap Nanbam Michael said “I am delighted to join you all here today, to observe the 2024 World Toilet Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and the importance of safe toilets for all”
She said that the 2024 theme reminds people that access to toilets is essential not only for health but also for dignity, equality, and peace in the communities.
According to the Chief Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique said “Safe and hygienic toilets are a foundation for good public health conditions, vital to reduce diseases, protect water sources, and promote safety, especially for children, women and girls”
She said that When communities have access to good toilet systems, open defecation a major environmental problem becomes a thing of the past.
Adding that “The availability of safe and hygienic toilets plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and healthy communities. One gram of human waste can carry millions of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites”
“These pathogens spread through air, water, flies, and animals, contaminating our food and water sources and endangering our health.
“In fact, open defecation can lead to outbreaks of diseases like cholera, which remains one of the leading killers of children beyond the immediate health impacts, open defecation affects every part of the daily life of children.
“Families spend hard-earned money on healthcare, and time that could be spent on productive ventures is often lost due to illness”
“These issues create a cycle that keeps families in poverty and prevents children from reaching their full potential” he stated.
She further said that they will push forward in making sure that people have access to the use of safe and hygienic toilets and also focus on the complete sanitation value chain-containment. transportation and recycling investment in the chain can create significant opportunities for job creation and economic growth.
“We encourage the government to provide an enabling environment where private sector investment in sanitation can thrive. We also call on our traditional and religious leaders to continue educating the communities on the importance and benefits of an Open Defecation free environment”
The UNICEF, Bauchi Chief Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique calls to advocate safe sanitation, building healthier and more peaceful communities where everyone’s basic needs are met with dignity and respect.
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