By Milcah Tanimu
Kaduna State’s significant achievement in becoming Open Defecation Free (ODF) in nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) underscores the state’s commitment to public health. This milestone, marking nearly 40% of the state’s population, is a result of collaborative efforts between the Kaduna State Government and UNICEF.
At a recent event celebrating this progress, government officials, community leaders, and international partners gathered to acknowledge the state’s strides in eliminating open defecation and to reaffirm their commitment to achieving statewide ODF status.
While nine LGAs now enjoy ODF status, challenges remain in extending this success to the remaining 14 LGAs. Kaduna State aims to achieve complete ODF status by 2025, emphasizing that the fight against open defecation is not over.
Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our progress is commendable, but more action is needed to ensure that no community is left behind. Open defecation poses health risks that affect us all.”
The practice of open defecation contributes to the spread of diseases such as diarrhea, which is a leading cause of child mortality in Nigeria. It also exacerbates malnutrition and impacts economic growth by increasing healthcare costs and reducing productivity. With over 600,000 people still engaging in open defecation in Kaduna, addressing this issue remains a critical public health priority.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, expressed continued support, saying, “Today’s achievement reflects the dedication of the Kaduna State Government and its people. However, with over 600,000 individuals still practicing open defecation, our work is far from complete. We urge all stakeholders to intensify efforts to reach a 0% open defecation rate as quickly as possible to safeguard the health and well-being of our children.”
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