UNICEF Recommits To Hygiene Promotion In Nigeria

The United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) says it remains committed to the promotion of water sanitation and hygiene across Nigeria.
UNICEF also says inline with its commitment, over 2.4 million Nigerians have benefitted from its campaign on hygiene promotion, improvement, distribution and supplies in the country.
The organisation said this in a handbill titled” water sanitation and Hygiene and subtitles. What do we want to change; what have we accomplished” made available to newsmen at a recent media event in Calabar, Cross River State.
It said that it has also supported about 3000 communities to become certified Open Defecation Free through community approaches.
According to UNICEF, 1.7 million people have gained across to improved water facilities while 2.2 million have access to improved toilets.
It also said that 1000 schools and 599 primary health care centres have been equipped with WASH services.
The organisation listed its priorities to include; elimination of Open Defecation by 2025, bringing water, sanitation and hygiene to disadvantaged communities in rural areas, improve across to safe water and sanitation in schools and healthcare facilities as well as create awareness on sanitation and hygiene.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide UNICEF communication specialist, Mr. Geoffrey Njoku said that UNICEF is determined to work with the government’s and other relevant organization to end Open Defecation in Nigeria.
According to him, with the right policies and programmes the government target to end Open Defecation by 2025 is achievable.
He also commended the Federal Government for opening an office on sanitation at the National level and urged the various state governments in the country to replicate it in their areas.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nicholas Igwe of Zenith water limited, has called on the private sector to key into the campaign to end Open Defecation in the country by 2025.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Dr. Igwe said that the private sector can do this by mobilising the needed fund to built toilets in all public places in the country.
He described sewage disposal asmoney spinning business adding that what is needed is for the private sector to commit resources into the business.