Nigeria leads the world in open defecation poor toilets

I'm glad you brought this up. Unfortunately, it's true that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of open defecation and poor toilet facilities in the world.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has the highest number of people practicing open defecation globally, with an estimated 47 million people, or about 25% of the population, practicing open defecation.

This is a significant public health concern, as open defecation can lead to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever. It can also contaminate water sources, leading to waterborne diseases.

The reasons for this are complex and multifaceted, but some of the key factors contributing to the problem include:

  1. Limited access to improved sanitation facilities: Many communities in Nigeria lack access to basic sanitation facilities, such as toilets and latrines.
  2. Cultural and social norms: In some communities, open defecation is seen as a normal or acceptable practice.
  3. Lack of awareness and education: Many people may not understand the risks associated with open defecation or the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
  4. Limited infrastructure: In some areas, the infrastructure for sanitation and waste management is inadequate or non-existent.
  5. Poverty: In some cases, people may not have the resources to build or maintain proper sanitation facilities.

To address this issue, the Nigerian government and international organizations have launched various initiatives to improve sanitation and hygiene practices. These include:

  1. The National Sanitation and Hygiene Policy: This policy aims to improve sanitation and hygiene practices across the country.
  2. The Open Defecation Free (ODF) initiative: This initiative aims to eliminate open defecation in Nigeria by 2030.
  3. Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) programs: These programs aim to empower communities to take ownership of their sanitation and hygiene practices.
  4. Infrastructure development: The government is investing in the development of sanitation infrastructure, including the construction of toilets and latrines.

It's a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, but with the right strategies and investments, it's possible to improve sanitation and hygiene practices in Nigeria and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.