UNICEF Monday decried the present situation in Nigeria where no fewer than 100 million people lack access to sanitary toilets, saying it is responsible for the spread of diseases in the country.
The Chief Sanitary, Water and Hygiene Officer at UNICEF, Kannan Nadar, disclosed this during the celebration of World Toilets Day, saying the situation was very critical.
According to him, “Nigeria has about one hundred million people without access to toilets, this is worrisome, as it is possible for everyone to own toilet, it doesn’t cost much.
“Sanitation and toilets are fundamental human rights. Since it is possible for everyone to own toilet, it is not justified for people to die of diseases related to open defecation.”
Also speaking, Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, attributed the recent outbreak of cholera which led to the death of about 124 people to the practice of open defecation. He therefore, said efforts should be geared towards stopping open defecation.
“As many as an estimated 2,771 cases and 124 deaths with case fatality rate of 4.5 per cent were reported, this yearly occurrence of cholera epidemics could be stopped if there is a mechanism to stop open defecation which will prevent contamination of water sources and foods that are major causes of cholera in the country.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Sani Bala, the Minister however assured that government was working towards sensitizing communities on the need to embrace good sanitation.
