UNICEF calls for action to end Open Defecation in Bauchi, congratulates Katagum LGA on ODF status
Stakeholders involved in the Sanitation matters have been urged to work together to make Bauchi State an Open Defecation Free State in the country.
The Officer Incharge, Chief of the Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria Bauchi Field Office, Dr Clement Adams made at a Dialogue on 2023 World Toilet Day held in Azare.
Dr Clement Adams applauded the people of Katagum for championing the call cause of advancing Open Defecation Free, increased action to promote healthy, clean and safe communities by enhancing access to sanitation facilities which made the Local Government Open Defecation Free.
The Officer In-charge, said the World Toilet Day is celebrated to bring attention to the undeniable importance of safe and hygienic toilets in people’s daily lives, especially interms of health, education and socio-economic Development.
He said, for achieving the target of SDGs goal 6 – safe toilets and water for all by 2030, all hands must be on desk, adding that access to safe and clean toilets prevents the spread diseases that especially protect the children and Women from the risks of attacks and abuse in public.
Dr Clement Adams, said the achievement in Katagum LGA needs to be replicated across the country, considering the less number of Open Defecation Free LGAs which out of 774 LGAs in Nigeria, only 105 have been validated Open Defecation Free.
He pointed out that, in Nigeria about 48 Million people still defecate in the open that bears severe socio – economic losses for the country and said the availability of improved toilet in schools, public spaces, homes and health facilities is critical to discouraging open defecation.
On his part, the Katagum Local Government WASH Coordinator, Alhaji Sa’idu Mohammed Alkali, Said for his Local Government to emerged Open Defecation Free LGA, Traditional leaders, religious leaders, WASH Community Groups, Toilet Business Owners, Masons and other stakeholders were involved for the attainment of the success.
He assured the committement of the Katagum Local Government to maintain it’s status as Open Defecation Free LGA through monthly coordination meetings at different levels within their jurisdiction.
