Open defecation remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in rural areas where sanitary infrastructure is lacking. Ijeoma Salome Ogwurumba, who was featured on the radio show, a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) personnel and UN-SDG Ambassador, provided a comprehensive analysis of the risks and necessary interventions. Ijeoma emphasized that not everyone who defecates openly is aware of its detrimental effects, primarily due to a lack of proper knowledge.
The program hosted by Ify Onyekwere focused on the critical issue of open defecation. The HSE personnel noted that one of the vital concerns of Open Defecation is the contamination of water bodies. When faeces are left exposed, rainwater can wash them into rivers and lakes, which eventually flow into larger water bodies and infiltrate underground water sources. This contaminated water is then used for domestic purposes, creating a ripple effect of health hazards. Ogwurumba noted that this contamination is a significant contributor to the cholera outbreaks in Nigeria, as pathogens from the faeces contaminate drinking water sources.
Furthermore, the exposure of human waste to the environment leads to the proliferation of flies and mosquitoes. These insects breed in the faeces, and once they come into contact with humans, they transmit diseases such as malaria and bacterial infections. The unpleasant odors and water contamination resulting from open defecation exacerbate the spread of diseases, creating a public health crisis.
Ogwurumba also discussed the impact of gases released from decomposing feces. These gases, when released into the atmosphere, weaken the ozone layer, reducing its ability to protect humans from harmful ultraviolet rays. Prolonged exposure to these gases can weaken the respiratory system, making it more susceptible to diseases. This, in turn, can lead to severe health conditions such as lung failure and cancer.
In addition to health risks, untreated feces used as manure pose environmental threats. Ogwurumba explained that using untreated feces as fertilizer can harm crops, causing them to wither or fail to mature. The harmful gases released from untreated manure disrupt the soil ecosystem, destroying beneficial organisms and reducing soil fertility.
To combat these issues, Ogwurumba stressed the need for adequate sanitation infrastructure. Providing clean and accessible toilets is crucial, especially in rural areas. Alongside infrastructure development, there must be efforts to educate and raise awareness among communities about the importance of proper sanitation practices. Encouraging a shift from open defecation to the use of toilets can significantly improve environmental and public health.
Ogwurumba also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector, individuals, and the government. Joint efforts are necessary to build and maintain sanitation facilities, ensure access to clean water, and promote sustainable practices. She underscored that without alternative measures, such as accessible toilets, people will continue to resort to open defecation.
The program called for a multi-faceted approach to address the issue comprehensively. This includes the treatment of feces before using them as manure to eliminate harmful gases, ensuring the provision of clean water alongside toilet facilities, and continuous community engagement to change mindsets and behaviours.
The statistics are alarming. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 673 million people worldwide still practice open defecation. In Nigeria alone, the practice is prevalent in 23% of households, posing significant health risks to millions. The country’s struggle with cholera outbreaks is a direct consequence of inadequate sanitation, with over 1,000 deaths reported in 2023 due to the disease.
The discussion on “The Development Report” emphasized that addressing open defecation is not just a matter of building toilets but involves a holistic approach that includes education, infrastructure, and community involvement. Ogwurumba’s insights shed light on the urgent need for action to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with open defecation.
This episode of “The Development Report” on July 13, 2024, brought to the forefront the critical issue of open defecation and its far-reaching impacts. Through expert insights from Ijeoma Salome Ogwurumba, the program highlighted the need for comprehensive solutions to tackle this challenge. As the world progresses towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), addressing open defecation remains a priority to ensure environmental sustainability and public health.
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I love the specific data collected in this report. And this act of open defecation has to be totally eradicated by creating accessable toilet system.