A shocking new study shows that 73% of people in Abia State drink water that is contaminated with E. coli, a bacteria found in faeces.
The study was conducted by the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Natural Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM).
It was a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the National Bureau of Statistics, with support from UNICEF, the World Bank, and WHO.
This alarming report was shared during a seminar in Enugu on Global Handwashing Day.
Mrs. Rebecca Gabriel, a WASH Specialist from UNICEF, expressed serious concern about the situation.
She said, “The contamination of water sources poses serious health risks to the people of Abia State.”
The study also highlighted that 2% of the population still practices open defecation, which contributes to the contamination of water.
Experts at the seminar pointed out that poorly located boreholes are another major cause of water pollution.
Many of these boreholes are too close to soak-aways and toilets.
This leads to faecal matter getting into water sources that families rely on for drinking and cooking.
The WASHNORM survey found that only 35% of schools and 30% of healthcare facilities in Nigeria have access to basic handwashing facilities.
In public spaces like markets and motor parks, that number drops to a mere 8%.
UNICEF reports that 167 million people in Nigeria lack access to basic handwashing facilities.
Mrs. Maureen Zubie-Okolo, UNICEF’s Officer in charge of Planning and Monitoring, spoke at the event about the importance of hand hygiene.
She said, “By fostering a culture of handwashing, we can contribute to a healthier and safer world for all.”
UNICEF emphasizes five critical times for handwashing: before preparing meals, before and after eating, before breastfeeding, after changing diapers, and after using the toilet.
The lack of clean water and proper sanitation has serious health implications for the people of Abia.
Diseases linked to dirty water can lead to severe illness and even death, especially among children.
Dr. Chukwudi Okeke, a public health expert, warned, “The health risks are immense. We must act quickly to improve water quality in Abia.”
The seminar also served as a platform for community leaders to discuss ways to improve water safety and sanitation.
Local governments have a critical role to play in addressing these issues.
In some areas, communities are working together to build proper toilets and ensure they are far from water sources.
However, more support is needed from both state and federal governments.
UNICEF continues to support campaigns to promote hand hygiene in Nigeria.
They integrate handwashing education into health, education, and nutrition programs across many countries.
Mrs. Gabriel stressed the need for more awareness, saying, “We need to educate the people about the importance of clean water and proper sanitation.”
Without urgent action, the health of Abia’s residents remains at risk.
The findings of the WASHNORM study highlight a crisis that cannot be ignored.
It calls for immediate intervention from the government and other organizations to address the water quality in Abia State.
The study’s results underline a larger problem in Nigeria.
Access to clean water and sanitation remains a significant challenge across the country.
If the situation does not improve, the long-term health consequences could be severe.
Community leaders and health officials are urging residents to prioritize clean water and sanitation practices.
