By Ahmad Shuaibu Isa
Open defecation remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, often ascribed to insufficient awareness, high levels of illiteracy, and a lack of basic sanitation infrastructure. However, a critical yet often overlooked factor is the prevailing attitudes of the populace towards sanitation and hygiene. This endemic issue stems from deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and inadequate education about the importance of proper sanitation practices, contributing to the persistence of open defecation across both rural and urban landscapes.
In rural communities, many individuals view open defecation as a culturally acceptable norm, often due to the absence of alternative sanitation facilities. Natural environments, such as fields or bushes, are frequently regarded as appropriate places for excretion. This mindset perpetuates unhealthy practices, especially when appropriate sanitation infrastructure is lacking.
However, the issue of open defecation is not confined solely to rural areas. Alarmingly, urban settings—including educational institutions such as universities and polytechnics—are not immune to this practice. Here, students, including those training in medical fields, have been reported to engage in defecating on toilet floors or behind hostels. Similarly, educated professionals working within government and various organisations also partake in this unsanitary behaviour. This observation raises an important question: why does such conduct persist despite the awareness surrounding proper sanitation practices?
In urban environments, particularly in informal settlements and slums, the challenge is exacerbated by overcrowding and the scarcity of adequate sanitation facilities, compelling residents to resort to open defecation. Although public toilets may be available, issues such as poor maintenance and the unwillingness to pay for their use often render open defecation a seemingly more convenient alternative.
Despite an overarching awareness of the serious health risks associated with open defecation—including the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and dysentery—many individuals fail to grasp the profound public health implications. This disconnection between knowledge and action allows the practice to persist in both rural and urban settings.
To combat open defecation effectively, it is imperative to focus on transforming attitudes towards sanitation. Raising awareness of hygiene practices, coupled with the provision of accessible and affordable sanitation facilities, will be essential in eradicating this practice. Community engagement and educational programmes can play a crucial role in shifting mindsets, promoting healthier habits, and ultimately reducing the prevalence of open defecation in Nigeria.
Ahmad Shuaibu Isa