UNICEF calls for sustained hygiene investment to curb tropical diseases
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for sustained investment in hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent the resurgence of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Osun communities.
Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, made the call during a town hall meeting in Faji, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, held as part of the United States National Committee (US NATCOM) for UNICEF donors’ visit.
The meeting was organised by the Osun State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Rural Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWESA), with support from UNICEF.
Saeed said she was impressed by the success recorded in Faji, a community that had interrupted the transmission of Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis through improved hygiene and sanitation.
She described Faji’s open defecation free status as a model of community-driven health transformation.
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She said, “It’s good to see that Osun is doing so well that people from other areas come here to access services. Faji demonstrates that neglected tropical diseases are preventable and treatable when communities unite with their leaders and health workers. Consistency and sustainability is also key, which is why continued investment in hygiene through toilets and hand washing is so important.”
Michael Nyenhius, President and Chief Executive Officer of UNICEF USA, said the visit provided an opportunity for donors to witness the impact of their support.
He said, “It’s exciting to see how your efforts are transforming lives. From community leaders to health workers and volunteers, everyone is committed to building stronger, healthier communities. I’ll take back these stories to inspire our donors in the United States.”
Odelola Ibidun, General Manager of RUWESA who said the collaboration between her Agency, the Ministry of Health and traditional rulers had yielded visible results, noted that every household in Faji “now has toilet and hand washing facilities”, which has reduced the spread of diseases and improved hygiene.
Abiodun Boladale, State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases, said Odo-Otin Local Government had passed the Federal Ministry of Health’s transmission assessment test for Lymphatic Filariasis, indicating that the infection is no longer transmissible in the area, adding that six communities: Faji, Okuku, Asi, Asaba, Oyan and Ilesa had achieved open defecation-free status under the UNICEF-supported NTD-WASH integration programme.
Oba Moshood Olaleke II, Afaaji of Faji, the Traditional Ruler of Faji Town, who appreciated UNICEF for their donations and support, said the impact of the UNICEF, State Government and other partners’ donations, accounted for the elimination of NTDs and promotion of WASH, which proliferated toilets’ construction in the town.
