₦airaland Forum

A recent study by Water Sanitation and Hygiene Natural Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) has revealed that 73% of Abia State residents consume water contaminated with E. coli (faecal matter), while 2% of the population still practice open defecation.

The WASHNORM survey, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the National Bureau of Statistics, with support from UNICEF, the World Bank, WHO, and other development partners, highlighted the grave health risks linked to drinking contaminated water.

During a press briefing/seminar in Enugu on Global Handwashing Day, organized by UNICEF and the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, Mrs. Rebecca Gabriel, UNICEF Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, expressed concern over the widespread contamination and its impact on public health. She emphasized that handwashing with soap and running water is essential to preventing diseases.

Discussants at the event attributed the high level of water contamination in Abia to open defecation by 2% of the population, which leads to faecal matter contaminating water sources. Poorly placed boreholes, often close to soak-aways and toilets, were also blamed for the pollution.

The WASHNORM survey revealed that only 35% of schools and 30% of healthcare facilities in Nigeria have access to basic handwashing facilities. In public spaces like markets and motor parks, the figure drops to just 8%.

UNICEF estimates that 167 million people (83% of the Nigerian population) lack access to basic handwashing facilities. The organization identified five critical times for handwashing: before preparing meals, before and after eating, before breastfeeding, after changing diapers, and after defecating.

Mrs. Maureen Zubie-Okolo, UNICEF’s Officer in charge of Planning and Monitoring, reiterated the importance of hand hygiene during the event. She stated, “UNICEF is committed to promoting hand hygiene among the communities we serve. We believe that by fostering a culture of handwashing, we can contribute to a healthier and safer world for all.”

UNICEF continues to support national handwashing campaigns and integrates hand hygiene into health, education, and nutrition programs across more than 90 countries. In collaboration with WHO, UNICEF also monitors handwashing practices in households, schools, and healthcare facilities globally.

IFECHIGCON:
Ibadan/Ogbomosho. beer parlour/agbo joints news

Mrs. Maureen Zubie-Okolo, UNICEF’s Officer in charge of Planning and Monitoring, reiterated the importance of hand hygiene during the event.

LegendHero:
Unfortunately, na Ibo woman talk am.

LegendHero:
Otti don destroy this lovely state.

How can people drinking faeces-laced water even think well in the first place? Thats why there are lot of bitter people.

LegendHero:
Unfortunately, na Ibo woman talk am.

richmond500:
I don't know about this but the Abia weh I bin visit, they have very clean water and the taste was one of the best I have ever had.

LadyExcellency:
The report is a fabrication of some sort for the NGOs and the ministries to receive subvention of some kind. I know Abia State at the tip of my finger and can comfortably ascertain the availability of private boreholes which cost so little or moderately to dig.

helinues:
Toh

ekineme:
Propaganda machines at work, just to get something to quote as reference. We know the people that practice open defecation, they have been called out several times.
I didn't call names o, but every ** to his own kettle.

helinues:
Toh

SmartPolician:
LegendHero

This one just dey find bad news about South East (even when the news is stale) and good news about Lagos State.

One country overrun by very dumb fellows!

Nomercie:
Nah be cause you eat,drink and live faece for a living,mad person doesn't know they're mad