Borno State has launched a roadmap to eradicate open defecation across all 27 local government areas, marking a critical step towards improving hygiene and child health in one of Nigeria’s most challenging regions.
Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his deputy Umar Kadafur, unveiled the comprehensive initiative in collaboration with UNICEF, signalling a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing a persistent public health challenge.
UNICEF’s Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Gerida Birukila, highlighted the initiative’s significance, noting that two local government areas – Biu and Shani – have already achieved open defecation-free status.
“This is more than infrastructure,” Birukila emphasised. “It’s about changing behaviours and protecting children from severe health risks like malnutrition and deadly diseases.”
The British High Commission’s education adviser, James Donoghue, praised the broader impact of such initiatives, connecting sanitation efforts to educational improvements.
Key highlights of the roadmap include targeting all 27 local government areas, engaging traditional institutions and community leaders, providing sanitation infrastructure, and implementing behavioural change programmes.
The initiative comes with significant health implications. Open defecation has been linked to stunted growth, increased child mortality, and widespread transmission of preventable diseases.
Governor Zulum stressed the government’s commitment, describing the project as a “legacy for future generations” and urging residents to participate in the campaign actively.
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