United Nations has commenced its Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) aimed at scaling up investments in the sector.
This was disclosed by the Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations (UN), Ms Amina Mohammed, at the launch of the SHF, while noting that the facility could drive billions of dollars into the sanitation sector.
She also said safe sanitation and hygiene was critical to solving some health issues globally.
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According to her, the coronavirus pandemic exposed the essential role sanitation and hygiene play in halting the spread of diseases and the enormous inequities that exist in the access to sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health.
The deputy S-G also said that basic hygiene like washing of hands and access to good toilet are keys to facilitating healthy communities in the longer term.
Mohammed said the fund requires $2 billion over the next five years to support countries in bringing sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health to all.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said the SHF was in many senses a lifesaver and has a unique feature.
The Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms Henrietta Fore, also said sanitation and hygiene was a great equalizer for children.
“During a lockdown, how do you cope with the fact that your household does not have a toilet? This is particularly difficult for girls and women.
“If everyone had access to sanitation and hygiene in households, in their schools, in their health facilities and communities, it would make an enormous difference in our world.”
