Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are critical factors that influence the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide. In Nigeria, access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices are still a challenge, particularly in rural areas. Poor WASH practices can lead to the spread of diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery, and can even contribute to malnutrition and stunted growth in children. In this article, we will discuss the importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene in Nigeria and why it is crucial to address the challenges faced in this area to promote better public health outcomes.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) are essential components of public health that are often overlooked, but their impact on the health of individuals and communities cannot be overemphasized. In Nigeria, WASH has been a major issue for decades, with millions of people lacking access to safe water, adequate sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene practices. The lack of these basic necessities has led to the spread of waterborne diseases, poor health outcomes, and economic losses.
Water is essential for life, but access to safe water is a challenge for many Nigerians. According to a 2019 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), over 60 million Nigerians do not have access to safe water, and more than 110 million lack access to basic sanitation facilities. This has led to a high prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery, which are responsible for many deaths, especially among children under five years old.
Sanitation facilities are also inadequate, with many Nigerians resorting to open defecation due to the lack of access to proper toilets. This has serious implications for public health, as it leads to the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea, which is responsible for over 194,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Inadequate hygiene practices also contribute to the spread of diseases. Poor handwashing practices, for example, can lead to the transmission of germs and bacteria, while inadequate menstrual hygiene management can lead to reproductive health problems.
The impact of inadequate WASH on public health extends beyond the direct health consequences. The lack of access to safe water and sanitation facilities can also have economic and social implications. For example, the time spent by women and children collecting water or travelling long distances to find it could be used for productive activities such as education and income generation. The lack of access to proper sanitation facilities can also lead to absenteeism in schools and workplaces.
To address the issue of inadequate WASH, there is a need for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society organizations, and individuals. The government needs to prioritize the provision of safe water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education, and ensure that resources are allocated for WASH in national budgets. The private sector can also play a role by investing in WASH infrastructure and innovative solutions. Civil society organizations can raise awareness about the importance of WASH and advocate for policy change, while individuals can adopt good hygiene practices and support initiatives aimed at improving WASH.
In conclusion, the importance of WASH in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Access to safe water, adequate sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene practices is essential for good health, economic development, and social well-being. It is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure that WASH is prioritized and adequate resources are allocated to address this pressing issue.
