Earlier this week, the world observed World Toilet Day under the theme “Toilets – A Place for Peace,” As ZFH joined the world to celebrate we are reminded of the critical connection between sanitation, health, and stability. The global sanitation crisis is immense, with the World Health Organization reporting that 3.5 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services, and 419 million people continue to practice open defecation. In Nigeria, this crisis is particularly alarming. According to UNICEF, about 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, and only 44% of the population has access to basic sanitation facilities. The impact of inadequate sanitation is felt across every sector of society, from public health to economic productivity and social well-being.

Conflict, climate change, and systemic neglect exacerbate the lack of sanitation, making vulnerable populations even more susceptible to diseases such as cholera and typhoid. The lack of toilets in schools, hospitals, and public places threatens not only public health but also the dignity and safety of individuals, especially women and girls, who are often at risk of violence when forced to find private places to relieve themselves.

At Zaks Foundation for Humanity (ZFH), we are dedicated to transforming these statistics by investing in sanitation infrastructure and education in Nigeria. Our programs have provided sanitation facilities, including toilets, handwashing stations, and hygiene education in public schools, hospitals, and markets. Through partnerships with local communities, we have worked to create safe, clean, and accessible environments where every individual can enjoy the right to dignity and health.

ZFH’s Sanitation Initiatives:

1. Public School Projects: We have built and rehabilitated sanitation facilities in schools, ensuring that students, especially girls, can attend classes without fear of missing school days due to lack of proper toilets.
2. Healthcare Support: In public hospitals, we have installed handwashing facilities and toilets to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain the health of patients and staff.
3. Community Awareness Campaigns: ZFH conducts awareness campaigns to educate communities about the importance of using toilets and maintaining hygiene to prevent diseases.

The Way Forward

Addressing the sanitation crisis in Nigeria requires a comprehensive approach:

Immediate Solutions:
• Increase investment in building and maintaining toilets in public spaces.
• Launch nationwide hygiene education campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of proper sanitation.
• Deploy mobile sanitation facilities in rural and conflict-prone areas to ensure access for all.

Long-Term Solutions:
• Strengthen partnerships between government, NGOs, and international agencies to build resilient sanitation systems.
• Prioritize the integration of sanitation projects in national policies, emphasizing rural and underserved communities.
• Invest in sustainable sanitation technologies and infrastructure, making safe sanitation affordable and accessible.

As we celebrate the World Toilet Day, ZFH calls for urgent action to tackle the sanitation crisis in Nigeria. Together, we can make toilets a symbol of peace, dignity, and safety for everyone, everywhere.