TACKLING OPEN DEFECATION IN AFRICA

TACKLING OPEN DEFECATION IN AFRICA

Open defecation still remains a prevalent issue in a good number of Sub-Saharan Countries. Studies show that Nigeria, Ethopia and Niger have the highest numbers of people still engaging in the act of OD. OD is an indication of the state of poverty of a nation as the poorest communities tend to engage more in this act. 

The majority of the people engaging in OD are people in rural communities and some of the factors that influencing this are lack of sanitation facilities, socio-economic factors, social norms, remoteness and many more. From a layman`s perspective this makes a bit of sense and it`s understandable for rural areas. What`s a bit shocking is that in some cases you still find a lot OD issues in Urban areas almost as much as might find in rural areas in most of the Nations with the higher number of OD cases. 

It`s the alarming rate of OD in some of these urban areas that surprises me the most. Does this necessitate new policies in urban areas? It`s most likely not a case of lack of facilities but likely a case of demography and behavioral pattern. 

Why Should Open Defecation be Completely Eradicated?

1.   Environmental Degradation: Open defecation leads to the contamination of air, water and soil. It compromises the quality of our natural environment. Polluted water becomes breeding grounds for various pathogens which can lead to public health crises.
   
   
2. Public Health Hazard: This practice is a major contributor to the spread of various infectious diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and typhoid. Most of these diseases have greater effects on children and the vulnerable population which might lead to higher mortality rates.
   
   
3. Reduced Quality of Life: The presence of human waste in public spaces diminishes the quality of life of people in the environment. It as harmful as it is aesthetically unpleasant. 

How can Open Defecation be Completely Eradicated?

1. Infrastructural Development: Sufficient public toilets should be constructed and kept clean with adequate provision for maintenance.
   
   
2.  Public Awareness Campaign: Launching educative initiatives to raise awareness about the health risk associated with open defecation and importance of sanitation.
   
   
3. Regulatory Measures: Implementing and enforcing regulations that prohibits OD with adequate penalty for non compliance.
   
   
4. Public Signage for Violation and Fines: Knowing the community we live in, people respond better knowing there will be consequences for their actions. Erecting signage that states the consequences of violation.
   
   
5.  Community Involvement: Engaging the community in planning and implementing sanitation projects to give a sense of responsibility. Also Involving the community in enforcement of sanitation.
   
   Tackling open defecation will not only ensure public health protection and environmental sustainability but will all lead to an increase in quality of life of people.