EU, UNICEF make Cross River LG free of open defecation

The European Union (EU) and United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) have made Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State free of open defecation. In partnership with agencies of the state government, the EU and UNICEF have built and marketed best practices through the development of models in the state to discourage people from defecating […]

The European Union (EU) and United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) have made Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State free of open defecation.

In partnership with agencies of the state government, the EU and UNICEF have built and marketed best practices through the development of models in the state to discourage people from defecating in the open.

A 2008 hygiene baseline survey showed that more than 90% of the population was practicing open defecation.

EU/UNICEF, using the Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Program (WSSSRP) supported the state in the intervention of hygiene and sanitation delivery in the communities.

The celebration of the achievement by the Cross River State in the Open Defecation initiative was witnessed by top government functionaries, traditional and community leaders, including youths and women and officials of UNICEF, led by WASH Specialist, Mr. Amos Kudzala.

Kudzala congratulated the state government and the people and all sector players for the achievement. 

The WASH specialist, who pointed out that one of the most difficult things to change is human behaviour, worsened by negative cultural practices and beliefs, saying, Open Defecation Free (ODF) status is not an easy status to attain.