A group, Women Development Association for Self-Sustenance (WODAS) has called on governments at all levels to promote and prioritize disease prevention through adequate and equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.
WODAS said to curtail the spread of COVID-19 as new variants continue to emerge, there must also be a focus on hygiene behaviour change intervention, complemented by a drive to boost uptake of vaccines.
The association, in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria made the plea while briefing journalists in Bauchi, yesterday, saying the state government should also put in place measures, especially infrastructure to ensure that people are able to practice and sustain good hygiene behaviour.
WODAS programme officer, Ezekiel Sukumum described WASH as critical in maintaining the dignity of human life and keeping communities healthy and productive.
According to him, the Bauchi State government must take urgent action in implementing the key recommendations proposed to strengthen its water, sanitation and hygiene service delivery system in collaboration with relevant sectors and stakeholders.
Themed: “Improving Response to COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases in Bauchi State”, the programme officer stressed the need for the state and local governments to widen the scope of hygiene behaviour change campaign to include education focusing on key behaviours such as respiratory hygiene, handwashing, safe excreta disposal, and water storage, among others.
Sukumum also wants the two tiers of government to ensure that routine sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene interventions are provided in communities and LGAs with poor access, especially those with endemic trends, and facilities in schools, health centres and public places to support inclusive access to WASH for all.
“Scale-up WaterAid’s Clean Family Campaign to all local government areas across the three senatorial zones of the state and ensure personal and environmental hygiene are at the core of immediate response plans, and in support of the government’s declaration to end open defecation by 2025,” he said.
The association also spoke on the need for the governments to work with the State Ministry of Health, the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, traditional and religious leaders to promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Ezekiel on the other hand wants the state and local governments to domesticate the National WASH COVID-19 guidelines with the involvement of the Bauchi State Task Force on COVID-19, while reviewing the state budget to adequately reflect prevention strategies for infectious diseases such as cholera, lassa fever and COVID-19.
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