Kaduna State Declares Nine Local Govts Open Defecation Free

Nine Local Government Areas in Kaduna State have been officially validated as Open Defecation Free.

This was contained in a statement released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) over the weekend.

It noted that this marks a crucial step towards creating a healthier and safer environment for the residents of the state.

Speaking during the event to celebrate the milestone, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, noted that the state is doing everything it could to ensure that it achieved Open Defecation Free status in all its 23 local government areas.

“Kaduna State is determined to achieve state-wide Open Defecation Free (ODF) status by 2025, as no challenge is insurmountable.

“Open defecation leaves our communities vulnerable to preventable diseases, and we must ask ourselves: if one community is not ODF, are we not all at risk? The progress we’ve made is commendable, but more action is needed,” she said.

With nine LGAs representing 39 per cent of the population now ODF, the state is making significant progress. However, there are still challenges in accelerating progress across the remaining 14 LGAs.

Open defecation poses serious health risks, contributing to the spread of diseases like diarrhea, which is a leading cause of child mortality in Nigeria.

It also exacerbates malnutrition and hinders economic growth by increasing healthcare costs and reducing productivity. With over 600,000 people in Kaduna State still practicing open defecation, this issue remains a critical public health challenge.

Also speaking, the Country Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, commended the state government for its commitment to ensure an open defecation free society.

She, however, stated that more work needed to be done and pledged UNICEF’s commitment to expanding these successes to all remaining LGAs.

“Today’s achievement is a testament to the dedication of the Kaduna State Government and its people. However, with over 600,000 people still practicing open defecation, our work is far from over.

“UNICEF remains steadfast in its support, and we urge all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to achieve a zero open defecation rate in Kaduna State as quickly as possible. The health and well-being of our children depend on it,” she said.