By Faridat Salifu
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Nigeria, Alexandra Chambers, has stressed the need for societal action at both national and subnational levels to improve sanitation and address climate change.
Chimbaru stated this while addressing gathering of the people at the 2024 National Environmental Sanitation Day event in Abuja.
He said, “We must embrace environmental hygiene practices to combat the spread of diseases like cholera,” and praised the Federal Ministry of the Environment for its efforts to engage communities in clean-up drives and hygiene promotion.
He said the recent cholera outbreak in some parts of the country underscores the need to prioritize environmental sanitation to protect public health and the economy.
In his address during the event, the Minister of State for the Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, emphasized on the need for a shift in perspective and collaborative efforts to address the pressing issues associated with insufficient sanitation and its negative impact on climate change.
Spealing on the the theme of the event – “Go Greener, Stay Clean: Climate Change is Real,” Salako said it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene practices in our daily routines to promote a healthier environment.
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The minister noted that the annual commemoration, led by the Federal Ministry of Environment, serves as a national advocacy platform to promote sanitation and hygiene as tools for disease prevention and climate change mitigation.
In addition, he said the importance of these practices in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
However, the minister warned that the combination of climate change and poor sanitation poses a double threat to health and development.
Salako pointed out the adverse effects of extreme weather events on sanitation infrastructure and the subsequent spread of diseases like malaria, cholera, and gastroenteritis.
He urged Nigerians to actively participate in maintaining clean and sanitary communities, emphasizing that sanitation should be an integral part of daily life.
National Environmental Sanitation Policy was introduced during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in June 2005.
It was introduced then to address areas such as pest control, school sanitation, and waste disposal, prioritizing safe sanitation practices for a healthier environment across Nigeria.
