Water, sanitation, hygiene are right to all citizens in Bauchi – CSOs
By Ahmed AHMED
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the auspices of Network for Society , Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) in Bauchi has raised that Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are right to all citizens.
Mr Jinjiri Garba, the CSOs lead team, told Journalists at a press conference to commemorate 2021 global handwashing day on Friday in Bauchi.
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He said access to safe water is a fundamental human need and, therefore, a basic human right.
“Contaminated water jeopardizes both the physical and social health of all people. It is an affront to human dignity.
“The right to water entitles everyone to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible, and affordable water, and it must be enjoyed without discrimination and equally by women and men.” he said.
He lamented the prevalence of cholera in the state and the outbreak of COVID-19 highlighted more than expected.
Garba said the need for the government to take action to commit to the provision of inclusive and sustainable water sanitation and hygiene services.
Meanwhile Dr Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria in a statement to commemorate global hand washing said “Investing in soap and water is a clear ‘no regrets’ investment, in homes, health care facilities and in schools.
“Handwashing promotion is proven to be cost-effective. Investments in health, education, and improved water supply are all jeopardised if handwashing with soap is not included in the overall plan.
“Governments should not wait for another crisis to hit the nation before investing wisely in the health and well-being of its people and the resilience of its economy”. She said
The statement also said Mrs Claire Seaward, WaterAid’s Global Campaigns Director said: “Now is the time for action. Governments need to kickstart behaviour change, set out clear roadmaps for achieving hand hygiene for everyone by 2030, and ringfence the financing to achieve it.
“Partnerships with businesses will be crucial to strengthening supply chains for hygiene products and services.
“Donors need to rapidly increase their financial support in low and middle-income countries, recognising the critical role that hand hygiene has in pandemic preparedness and addressing antimicrobial resistance,” Seaward said.
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Our correspondent
Report that the 2021 global handwashing day was celebrated by Civil Society Organizations under auspices of Network Society for water and sanitation (NEWSAN) in Bauchi.
Mr Jinjiri Garba addressing Journalists to celebrate 2021 global hand washing day in Bauchi.
