Daud Olatunji
Nigeria is facing a significant public health crisis as more than 200 million people are at risk of contracting at least one Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), according to a recent statement by UNICEF.
UNICEF WASH Specialist Monday Johnson spoke on “Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination and Behaviour Change – Overview of Key Links Between NTDs and Sanitation (ODF)” at a media dialogue on ending open defecation in Nigeria and the elimination of NTDs, organised by the UNICEF in collaboration with the Oyo Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, held in Lagos State.
Monday added that Nigeria has the highest figure of NTDs in Africa, saying, the country is grappling with the devastating impacts these diseases have on its population, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized communities.
He said NTDs, which are caused by various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, have severe health, social, and economic consequences.
He stated “in Nigeria, five of these diseases—lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminth infections—are endemic.
“These diseases disproportionately affect impoverished communities, exacerbating poverty, hindering educational attainment, and reducing economic productivity.
“Water, sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) are critical in preventing and managing NTDs, but Nigeria’s poor WASH infrastructure has made it challenging to curb the spread of these diseases.
“Open defecation and inadequate access to clean water further compound the issue, contributing to the vicious cycle of poverty and disease.”
UNICEF official emphasized the need for an integrated approach to tackling NTDs, which includes collaboration beyond traditional health and WASH sectors.
“NTDs are a proxy for poverty and serve as a stark indicator of the inequality that persists in our society,” said a UNICEF representative.
“Without sustained efforts to improve sanitation, health education, and access to basic hygiene, millions of Nigerians will remain trapped in a cycle of poverty exacerbated by preventable diseases.
“The ongoing battle against NTDs not only places a strain on the healthcare system but also results in catastrophic health expenditures for many Nigerian families.
“These expenses often leave them in dire financial situations, further deepening the cycle of poverty. Moreover, the diseases limit economic productivity as those affected are often unable to work or attend school.”
He called for urgent action to eliminate NTDs in Nigeria through enhanced behavioral change strategies, including public health campaigns to promote sanitation and hygiene.
He added that achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status across the country is seen it as a key milestone in the effort, saying, it would significantly reduce the exposure of human waste to the environment, which he said is a major contributing factor to the spread of NTDs.
Meanwhile, at a two-day media dialogue m, experts underscored the urgent need to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and open defecation, revealing the profound economic and health implications for Nigeria.
Oyetola Oduyemi, Senior Director of Investor Relations and Sustainability at The END Fund, highlighted that individuals most affected by NTDs are those at the lowest economic rungs.
She stressed the importance of behavioral change and increased stakeholder engagement to tackle open defecation, revealing that Nigeria stands to gain $18.9 billion by 2030 if NTDs are eradicated.
Oduyemi called for enhanced personal hygiene practices to mitigate the health crisis.
Dapo Otunla, Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS, emphasized the crucial role of awareness creation and the need for development partners to support the campaign by providing essential WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities to rural areas.
Otunla outlined key factors for achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in Nigeria, including behavioral change, private sector participation, awareness creation, and adequate funding.
UNICEF’s Chief of WASH, Jane Bevan, opened the discussion with a call for collective action to end open defecation, which she said significantly impacts child health and contributes to NTD-related deaths.
She highlighted UNICEF’s commitment to the cause and the positive strides made, with 126 local government areas now certified as ODF.
Bevan expressed confidence in further progress through continued collaboration with governments and development partners.
Chizoma Opara, National Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria Campaign, reviewed the sanitation landscape, identifying major obstacles to achieving ODF status such as funding gaps, inadequate political will, and weak policies.
Opara emphasized the need for heightened awareness through the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign and urged the media to amplify the initiative.
Dare Oduluyi, Sanitation and Hygiene Manager with the Water In Nigeria for Lagos program, called for clear government policies to boost private sector involvement in open defecation solutions.
He argued that robust policies would provide a conducive environment for private sector investment and innovation in sanitation.
The dialogue highlighted a united front among stakeholders in addressing Nigeria’s sanitation challenges and the potential economic benefits of eradicating open defecation and NTDs
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