Lack of access to safe sanitation affecting people’s health, education globally – UNICEF
By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has observed that millions of people around the world are faced with the challenges of health, education and economy due to lack of access to safe Sanitation.
The Chief of Field Office Bauchi, UNICEF Nigeria, DR. Nuzhat Rafique made this known in a goodwill message during a programme organized in commemoration of the 2024 World Toilet Day (WTD) held at Hazibal Hotel Bauchi on Monday.
According to her, lack of access to safe sanitation is a daily struggle, affecting health, education, and economic opportunities globally .
She explained that poor sanitation increases the risk of life-threatening diseases, especially among children and adolescent girls.
“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”, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique said.
Represented by WASH Officer, Dawap Nanbam Michael, the CFO said that the WTD is a day dedicated to raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and the importance of safe toilets for all.
She further stressed that the WTD, themed: “Sanitation for Peace”, serves as a reminder to all that access to toilets is essential not only for health but also for dignity, equality, and peace in communities.
Dr. Rafique said when communities have access to good toilet systems, open defecation a major environmental problem becomes a thing of the past, adding that availability of safe and hygienic toilets plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and healthy communities.
She disclosed that 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”, the Chief of Field office Bauchi noted.