Our reporter Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday said the Federal Government has initiated measures to combat the ongoing cholera outbreak by tackling the root causes, one of which is open defecation. He reaffirmed the Tinubu-led administration to end open defecation by 2025. The Vice President stated this on Thursday while inaugurating the Steering Committee for the ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ Campaign at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the FG could end open defecation by mobilising strategic stakeholders, leveraging technology, and deploying innovative and sustainable solutions to boost the nation’s sanitation landscape. The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, revealed details of the ceremony in a statement titled, ‘Clean Nigeria Initiative: FG tackles cholera from the root, intensifies bid to end open defecation.’ Shettima’s comments follow the recent outbreak of Cholera, which has hit 33 states, including Lagos.
From January to June 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported at least 3,000 suspected cases, with 65 confirmed and 30 deaths across 115 local government areas in 32 states. Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos are the most affected states. Shettima, who underscored the significance of good hygiene, health and its impact on development and wealth, urged the committee to “align with broader governme.
