The Federal Government is taking action to stop the spread of cholera by addressing its root causes, such as open defecation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the government’s goal to end open defecation by 2025 at the launch of the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” Campaign at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President emphasized the need for everyone to work together and use technology to improve sanitation.
“Ending open defecation can be achieved by mobilizing strategic stakeholders and leveraging technology as well as deploying innovative and sustainable solutions,” he said.
Shettima highlighted the importance of hygiene and health for development and urged the committee to address issues like wastewater management and contaminated water.
He stressed the need for behavior change and proper sanitation practices.
“We are well aware that achieving this objective begins with our collective resolve to embrace behavioral change and cultivate a lifestyle that prioritizes proper sanitation practices, hygiene education, and community engagement,” Shettima added.
He also called for private sector involvement and the use of technology for real-time monitoring and data collection.
“The public sector cannot succeed in this campaign unless we engage and encourage private sector participation and invite innovative and sustainable solutions,” he said.
The meeting reviewed progress since the campaign began in 2019. Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate noted that cholera has affected 33 states, with 2,000 cases and 33 deaths, highlighting the urgency of the campaign.
Water Resources Minister, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, reported that about 47 million Nigerians, or 23% of the population, still practice open defecation.
The campaign aims to build 25,000 rural and 50,000 urban toilets by 2025, requiring an investment of N959 billion.
The ministers called for support from other ministries to make Nigeria clean and end open defecation by 2025.
