WASH Response

After the World Health Organization Technical Briefing yesterday, I was concerned at the level of public health threats in Nigeria, besides Covid-19, the country is battling with several other outbreaks like Lassa Fever, Measles and Cholera which has been very challenging since 2020, especially with the low immunization during the lock down period.

Several campaigns and strategies are ongoing to mitigate the effect of these vaccines preventable diseases, thinking in terms of Cholera which especial is more of a WASH issue, imagine public places and household without WASH facilities even health care facilities.

How can we change the behavior of systems/sectors that have made it difficult for individual to change their behavior? For example, lack of WASH infrastructure to enhance or complement or individual capacity to change their behavior? What is the role of individuals, families, NGO/CSOs, LGA, States, Nationals and partners in all of these?

WASH is a key public health issue within international development and is the focus of the first two targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) — Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In the first two targets of SDGs 6;

6.1

By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

6.2

By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations

The WASH strategies are largely a multisectoral approach but largely across the country there seems to be lack of coordination amongst all the actors in ensuring achievable results.

I feel there should be more intentions from all actors in solving these challenges through effective coordination, surveillance system with the accurate data being documented to make inform decision and develop strategies. Case management should be improved at all state level and risk and behavioral change communication on WASH should be most effective and localised at the community level with active engagement, this is where the youth groups, NGOs/CSOs can play a very important role.

#WASH #UHC #sdgs2030

#measles #Cholera #immunization #healthcare #emergency