Bauchi Commissioner Warns On Dangers Of Open Defecation

The Bauchi State government has intensified efforts to eradicate open defecation and prevent recurring cholera outbreaks with the official flag-off of an Open Defecation-Free (ODF) campaign and cholera prevention advocacy in Jama’are, Misau and Tafawa Balewa local government areas.

The campaign, funded by the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) Project and implemented by WaterAid Nigeria, was officially launched yesterday in Jama’are LGA as part of broader initiatives aimed at improving sanitation and public health across vulnerable communities in the state.

Speaking during the event, the commissioner for health and social welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, expressed optimism that Jama’are, Misau and Tafawa Balewa LGAs would soon attain Open Defecation-Free status and join other certified local government areas in Bauchi State.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to improving sanitation and hygiene through stronger collaboration with development partners, traditional institutions and grassroots stakeholders.

According to the commissioner, the campaign is aimed at promoting behavioural change, strengthening public awareness and reducing the spread of sanitation-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea, particularly among women and children.

Dambam described indiscriminate defecation as a dangerous and unhealthy practice that poses serious threats to public health and the environment through contamination of land and water sources.

He disclosed that between 45 and 50 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, especially in rural communities, attributing the situation to poverty, lack of toilet facilities, ignorance and poor sanitation habits.

The commissioner further noted that sanitation-related infections claim the lives of more than 100,000 children under the age of five annually, while poor sanitation contributes to economic losses estimated at over N455 billion nationwide.

He added that the state government had already inaugurated a multi-sectoral State Cholera Steering Committee and Technical Working Group involving key ministries and agencies to tackle recurring outbreaks and improve sanitation services across communities.

Dambam also commended communities that contributed funds toward the construction of household toilets, describing the gesture as a strong indication of growing public support for achieving an Open Defecation-Free Bauchi State.

Speaking on behalf of WaterAid Nigeria, the State Task Team Lead, Mashat Mallo, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain the campaign beyond the lifespan of the project.

He explained that the SHF Project focuses on expanding sanitation facilities in homes and public places, including markets, worship centres and motor parks, while also promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives capable of creating economic opportunities for women and youths.

Mallo, however, expressed concern over the financial challenges many households face in constructing toilets, warning that the absence of sanitation facilities in even a single household could contribute to the spread of cholera within communities.