Nine Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kaduna State have been officially declared Open Defecation Free (ODF), marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve public health. This achievement impacts nearly 40% of the state’s population, reflecting crucial progress in the fight against open defecation.
The announcement was made during a celebration organized by the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with UNICEF. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and international partners, to acknowledge the progress made and recommit to achieving state-wide ODF status.
Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe emphasized the state’s determination to achieve total ODF status by 2025. “Open defecation leaves our communities vulnerable to preventable diseases,” she said, urging continued efforts to ensure that all communities in Kaduna State are protected.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, highlighted the ongoing challenge, noting that over 600,000 people in Kaduna still practice open defecation. She stressed the serious health risks associated with the practice and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to achieve a 0% open defecation rate across the state.
As Kaduna celebrates this milestone, the government, with UNICEF’s support, is committed to expanding these successes to the remaining 14 LGAs, with the ultimate goal of making the entire state Open Defecation Free by 2025.