VSP 04: World Toilet Day 2019. Addressing the Challenges of Open Defecation in Rural Communities

On the 30th day of November 2019, I had the opportunity to share with the public on the need to address the problems of open defecation in Nigeria, with a special focus on rural communities.

The World Toilet Day which holds annually on the 19th of November, has its theme for 2019 as "Leaving No One Behind".

Live from the studio of Authority 91.9 FM Radio, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, I shared insights on:

• The toilet as a human right
• The most vulnerable people who suffer from the problems of open defecation and unsafe toilets
• The economic implication of open defecation in relationship with the challenges related to Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• The need for individuals, business owners and corporate organizations to undertake WASH projects as corporate social responsibilities
• Hand Hygiene and the WHO standard procedure for performing a proper hand wash
• The role of government in sponsoring and helping individuals in setting up safe toilet facilities
• The need for WASH volunteers or community volunteers to raise awareness through behavioral change communication
• The need for the maintenance culture among users of public toilets, especially in government facilities.

All data shared and used in this interview are sourced from the document, "Making Nigeria Open-Defecation-Free by 2025" as developed by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, with support from UNICEF, and in partnership with , UKAID and the European Union. You may click here to access these information.

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