India’s triumph over open defecation is a model for those struggling in the mire of it.
Open defecation which is an act of relieving oneself in the open rather than in a proper toilet, has been a global concern for decades, with several countries struggling to eliminate this practice.
India’s remarkable success in addressing its open defecation problem has not only improved public health but also set an example for other nations grappling with the same issue.
As a matter of fact, in 2019, Nigeria overtook India to become the number country in the world with a fatal Open defecation problem.
The Open Defecation Challenge
Open defecation poses significant public health risks. Contaminated water sources, the spread of diseases, and environmental degradation are just some of the many consequences.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), open defecation is responsible for over 432,000 deaths annually due to diarrheal diseases.
India, with its vast population and diverse cultural landscape, faced a colossal challenge. In 2014, over half of India’s population (approximately 600 million people) practiced open defecation. The country needed a comprehensive strategy to tackle this public health menace.
The Turning Point
India’s response to this challenge was through the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign), a nationwide sanitation initiative that was launched in 2014.
The campaign’s primary goal was to make India open defecation-free by 2019 and indeed, it achieved that status.
The approach involved a mix of behavioral change, infrastructure development, and political commitment.
How it happened
1. Constructing Toilets:
The Indian government embarked on an ambitious plan to build toilets across the country, particularly in rural areas such that financial assistance was provided to households to construct their own toilets. Also, public toilets were constructed in urban and rural areas to cater to the general population.
2. Awareness Campaigns:
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was all about changing public behavior to toilet and sanitation habits.
The awareness campaign was a robust one timed at educating citizens about the importance of using toilets and went on to become a success.
The campaign used social media, advertising, and community engagement to reach every corner of the country.
3. Political Leadership:
The initiative received unwavering support from political leaders, including then-Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This high-level endorsement emphasized the seriousness of the program and motivated government officials at all levels to ensure its success.
4. Incentives and Rewards:
To further encourage the use of toilets, the government introduced incentives and rewards for those who adopted proper sanitation practices. These incentives ranged from access to government schemes to cash rewards for constructing toilets.
5. Community Involvement:
Local communities also played a pivotal role in implementing the program. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan encouraged community participation in the construction of public toilets, cleanliness drives, and spreading awareness.
The Remarkable Outcome
India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign helped to surpass expectations such that, by October 2019, India had achieved an open defecation-free – a remarkable achievement in such a short period.
This initiative not only transformed the country’s sanitation landscape but also led to substantial health improvements.
The Blueprint for Nigeria and other countries.
India’s approach to addressing open defecation serves as an invaluable blueprint for countries suffering from the same scourge, Nigeria not excluded.
To model this blueprint, the Nigerian government must display a political will to do so and fund the processes without shirking.
This high-level commitment must be not only be displayed by government but also by stakeholders, working in harmony to pursue this initiatives in full.
Infrastructure Investment:
Government must be committed to building proper sanitation infrastructure, including toilets and sewage systems.
Governments should allocate resources and, where necessary, provide financial assistance to households to construct their own toilets.
Behavioral Change Campaigns:
A variety of media must be employed for this campaign to be effective in changing public behavior to toilet use and sanitation culture.
The social media and community engagement must be added to boost mileage.
Community Participation:
Local communities must be engaged thoroughly to help amplify the campaign.
This rapport should be instructive in the construction of public facilities, promoting cleanliness, and encouraging the use of toilets in and around communities.
Incentives and Rewards:
A lot would be achieved when incentives and reward systems are instituted. This will help encourage the adoption of proper sanitation practices.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
The Nigerian government must establish follow-through mechanisms to ensure regular monitoring and evaluation of the program’s progress. This is essential in tracking the program and identifying areas that require improvement.
Sticking with the template
India’s success in eradicating open defecation demonstrates that with determination, the right strategies, and community involvement, countries can eliminate this harmful practice.
The impact goes beyond public health; it also promotes human dignity, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
– F.Omosola (fortunedexcel@gmail.com)
