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John Jinjiri Garba addresses the press
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has been called upon to as a matter of urgency, provide handwashing facilities in all public institutions particularly schools in order to promote the culture of handwashing with soap and running water to fight the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The call was made by Women Development Association for Self Sustenance (WODASS) with Support of Society for Water and Sanitation, WASH Media Network in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria during a press conference to mark the 2021 World Handwashing Day held at the NUJ Press Center on Friday.
According to the NGO, The Press Conference had two objectives which were Commemorating the Global Handwashing day 2021 and dissemination of the Policy Brief aimed at Curbing the spread of COVID 19, Cholera and other related diseases.
The coalition of the NGOs lamented that 41.8% of households in Bauchi LGA depend on wells as main source of water supply while 42.5% have access to pipe borne water just as 13.6% have access to boreholes and 4.0% depending on water from vendors.
The NGOs through the Spokesperson, Mr John Jinjiri Garba stated that clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene together form the foundation that underpins almost all of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) from health to education, nutrition, the environment, gender equality, poverty and economic empowerment.
The coalition however lamented that out of a population of about 4.5 million in Bauchi state, 1.7 million do not have access to basic water supply services, 2.6 million do not have access to basic sanitation services and only 46,000 people have access to basic hygiene based on WASH NORM, 2019.
It further lamented that despite the fact that 45.8% of households get their water from wells and water vendors, which are vulnerable to contamination, only 15% households treat their water before drinking while 84.7% do not carry out any form of treatment
According to the coalition, in 2021, 19 out of the 20 LGAs in the state recorded cholera stating that by August 9th, the number of cases rose to 2,185 while the death toll rose to 96 with Bauchi LGA recording 200, Toro LGA 212 and Tafawa Balewa LGA 100.
The coalition stressed that ending cholera and preventing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Bauchi state requires a multifaceted approach adding that there is need for improved political will and proactive government action, a blend of surveillance, water and sanitation interventions, hygiene promotion and social Mobilization and treatment use.
It concluded that the prevalence of cholera in Bauchi State and the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic highlights morethan ever before the need for the government to take urgent action to implement key recommendations andcommitments for the provision of inclusive and sustainable water,sanitation and hygiene services.
It also stressed the need for a deepenedintegration of water, sanitation and hygiene in state policies andprogrammes as well as for strong collaboration across relevant sectors and actors.
“Now, more than ever, there is need for partnerships and urgent collective action to build resilient water, sanitation and hygiene systems, to end cholera and control COVID-19, prevent the next pandemic and build sustainable, resilient services that can deliver health and dignity for all”, the coalition declared.
