In a move to engender a healthier and more dignified life for all citizens, the Kaduna State Government has vowed to eradicate open defecation in the State.
Kaduna state Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe stated the commitment during the Certification of nine Local Government Areas of the state as Open Defecation Free by UNICEF.
The deputy Governor said the harmful social practice of open defecation has had severe consequences on public health, particularly affecting children.
Balarabe called for a paradigm shift that focuses more attention on preventing diseases rather than reacting to their consequences.
In a remark, the Country Director, Unicef Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, while noting the global target to end the menace of open defecation by 2025, stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts towards achieving the goal.
Also Speaking, the Director General, Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Engineer Mubarak Shehu Ladan, commended the efforts of all stakeholders in achieving the milestone and also pledged to ensure sustainability.
The certified Local Government Areas include Jaba, Kaura, Giwa, Jema'a, Kudan, Kauru, Soba, Zangon Kataf and Kubau.