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