By: Uba Abdullahi
It has been identified that concerted efforts by relevant stakeholders are panacea towards improving Water, sanitation and hygiene in Schools and health facilities across the Nation especially in Northern Nigeria.
This was made known by the UNICEF field officer Rahama Muhammad Farah during an engagement with media personalities in Dutse,Jigawa State Capital.
Rahama Muhammad Farah emphasizes robust engagement towards improving access to quality service in the areas of accessible water supply and hygienic environment which he described as the bedrock for sustainable development especially among children in the society,, stressing the need for collaborative approaches between those in authority and the target population.
The UNiCEF field Officer further stressed that,the situation is devastating mostly in rural communities and is posing a great challenge to children’s dignity and development, pointing out that lack of WASH services became a point of concern and common ground for diseases breeding and transmission which hampered regular attendance to such institutions and may eventually lead to withdrawal especially among girls.
He noted that despite the fact that Jigawa State is a free open defecation zone,hand washing and hygienic status is relatively below national standard which means more needs to be done to squarely address the menace.
Rahama, therefore solicited for the full engagements of Media in the areas of advocacy and mobilization for the attainment of sustainable development goals in the State citing many statistical references and the absolute needs for the improvement of WASH services.
During the engagement sessions a field trip was undertaken to some Health and educational institutions with media personalities to access the situations and offered recommendations on the way forward.
Adding that media plays a pivotal role of engagement which is critical towards ensuring a healthier and conducive learning environment where children can learn and explore their potentialities for the overall developments of the society.
Relevant Stakeholders were engaged, comprising the State Universal Basic Education Board and State Primary Health Care Development Agency to map out strategies for improvements.
On their parts,media pledges to partner with UNICEF especially in advocacy and sensitizations and to keep government accountable to the public.
UNICEF has been a life long partner in children’s development for over a long period of time in Africa especially the subsahara region of Africa by making every child have equal rights to Health and Education.
