On the latest edition of The Development Report radio show, Dr. Chimere May Ohajinwa, an environmental toxicologist and public health expert, shed light on the far-reaching consequences of open defecation on global health and sustainable development. The discussion, which coincided with World Toilet Day, emphasized the urgent need for action and innovation in achieving sanitation goals in Nigeria and beyond.
Progress and Challenges in Nigeria’s Sanitation Campaign
Dr. Ohajinwa highlighted the strides Nigeria has made through the Clean Nigeria Campaign, an initiative under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. As of now, 135 local government areas and over 30,000 communities across the nation have been declared open-defecation-free. However, challenges persist, prompting the federal government to extend the deadline for eradicating open defecation from 2025 to 2030 with the launch of a new implementation strategy.
Despite progress, Dr. Ohajinwa emphasized that the consequences of open defecation remain dire. “Everybody knows these things have an impact,” she noted. “Open defecation contaminates soil and water, leading to the spread of contagious diseases.” This is particularly concerning in communities where poor hygiene practices and improper waste disposal intersect with water sources, such as boreholes, often resulting in waterborne illnesses.
Dr. Ohajinwa stressed the interconnectedness of sanitation with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “For Nigeria to achieve the SDGs, we must eradicate open defecation. It directly contributes to water contamination and undermines healthy living, which is central to Goal 3—Good Health and Well-being,” she explained.
Tackling Social Norms and Promoting Solutions
Social norms and beliefs play a significant role in sustaining the practice of open defecation. “In some communities, it’s believed that having a toilet inside the house is bad, while others have communal defecation practices,” Dr. Ohajinwa observed. Addressing these entrenched beliefs requires community mobilization and education.
On the bright side, innovations in sanitation technology are making toilets more accessible and affordable. Local companies in Nigeria are producing cost-effective toilet solutions, reducing financial barriers for households. “It’s now more about mindset—whether you see it as a necessity or just don’t care,” she added.
A Call to Action
Dr. Ohajinwa outlined several steps to accelerate progress:
- Strengthen political will and prioritize sanitation initiatives.
- Empower local governments to implement and sustain programs.
- Build inclusive infrastructure, including toilets for people with disabilities.
- Promote hygiene education in schools and communities.
- Combat false social beliefs through targeted awareness campaigns.
She also emphasized the economic opportunities in the sanitation sector, including the potential to transform treated waste into manure for agricultural use.
The Path Forward
Open defecation remains a critical public health and environmental challenge. By fostering innovative solutions, addressing social norms, and bolstering political commitment, Nigeria and other nations can move closer to achieving a future where sanitation is no longer a privilege but a universal right.
The Development Report continues to amplify voices like Dr. Ohajinwa’s, driving conversations that inspire action toward sustainable development.
Click here to read related post
