The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has raised concerns about the global impact of inadequate sanitation among developing nations. This, the Fund said, is affecting the health, education, and livelihoods, especially for children and women negatively.
The concern was raised by the UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, during the 2024 World Toilet Day event held at Hazibal Hotel, Bauchi.
Speaking at the event, Rafique explained that poor sanitation leads to serious health risks, especially for children and teenage girls.
She said, “Safe toilets are essential for public health. They help reduce diseases, protect water sources, and ensure safety, especially for women and children.”
Represented by WASH Officer, Dawap Nanbam Michael, Rafique explained that World Toilet Day is a very important day. She said it is a time to focus on the global sanitation crisis and the need for everyone to have access to safe toilets.
IVNTVNEWS reports that this year’s theme, ‘Sanitation for Peace’, highlights how proper sanitation improves health, dignity, and peace in communities.
Rafique noted that having safe toilets can end open defecation. A practice which, she says poses major health and environmental risks.
She said, “Human waste can carry millions of harmful germs that spread diseases like cholera, which is still a major cause of death among children.”
Rafique, therefore, urged everyone to recognize that access to safe toilets is not just about health but also about building stronger and healthier communities.
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