UNICEF seeks zero open defecation in Kaduna

The United Nations Children’s Fund has called for a renewed push towards achieving zero open defecation in Kaduna State in the shortest possible time.

The UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, made this commitment during an event held in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government at Hotel 17 on Monday, focused on making the state open defecation-free.

She explained that the benefits of improved sanitation extend far beyond immediate health outcomes, contributing to broader sustainable development goals, including education, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

“With 40 per cent of communities in the state now ODF-certified and nine local government areas validated, there is much to celebrate.

“However, the state still faces challenges that must be addressed to accelerate progress across the remaining 14 local governments. While we applaud the construction of improved toilets in the validated local governments, which now stand at an impressive average of 90 per cent, it is concerning that only about 30 per cent of the state’s population resides in these ODF LGAs. Clearly, more needs to be done,” she said.

Munduate highlighted that numerous studies have shown open defecation to be a significant contributor to the spread of diarrhoeal diseases, infant mortality, malnutrition, and increased poverty. By addressing this issue, she emphasised, “we are not only safeguarding the health of our communities but also promoting a more equitable and prosperous society.”

She revealed that six per cent of Kaduna’s population, approximately 619,000 people, still practises open defecation, exposing them to the associated dangers. This statistic, she said, underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts and genuine commitment to eliminating open defecation in the state.

“UNICEF is fully committed to providing the support needed to ensure access to quality initiatives such as the ‘Use the Toilet’ campaign, which aims to end open defecation in Nigeria by 2025.

“I call on all stakeholders to commit to ending open defecation in Kaduna State. The dream of an open defecation-free Kaduna State is within reach, and we can make this happen,” Munduate appealed.

In her remarks, the Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening political will to eradicate open defecation entirely.

She assured UNICEF that the Kaduna State Government would continue to prioritise this mission.

“We will also emphasise the importance of sanitation in our schools so that our children, especially our girls, have access to safe and dignified facilities that support their education and health.

“I am deeply honoured to acknowledge the official validation of nine local governments in our state as Open Defecation Free. This number represents 39.1 per cent of our local governments. Though it may appear as a fraction, it is a critical one.

“It is significant because it marks a progressive journey towards eliminating the harmful practice of open defecation and moving closer to our goal of a healthier and more dignified life for all citizens,” she stated.