Borno govt, UNICEF unveil roadmap to eradicate open defecation

Borno government has launched a roadmap campaign with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to eradicate open defecation and promote Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in the state.

Speaking during the event at Musa Usman International Conference Centre in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, stated that poor hygiene, lack of access to safe water and sanitation, and open defecation contribute to child mortality, malnutrition, and barriers to education and economic opportunities.

According to him, the campaign aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring access to water and sanitation for all citizens in the state.

He explained that the key strategies to for implementation of campaign include expanding access to safe water within 30 meters, achieving universal access to water supply by 2025, and ensuring affordable sanitation options.

UNICEF’s WASH Manager in Maiduguri Field Office, Mamita Bora Thakkar, noted that severe malnutrition and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation stifle children’s development, forcing girls to miss school due to lack of menstrual hygiene facilities.

The UNICEF commended the state government’s support, stressing top-level backing as crucial for success of the campaign.

“UNICEF aims to make Borno State open-defecation-free, transforming residents’ lives.”

The event honored First Lady Mrs. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum as Ambassador for Climate Change and brought together local and international non-governmental organizations.

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