NOA rallies support of stakeholders to end open defecation in Uyo
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on stakeholders to collaborate in tackling the challenge of open defecation in Akwa Ibom State.
The appeal was made by the agency’s Director in the state, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, during a media briefing held on Tuesday in Uyo.
Mkpoutom described the health, environmental, and social hazards of open defecation as severe, warning that the practice poses significant risks to communities.
He stressed the need for relevant stakeholders in the state to work together urgently to find lasting solutions to the problem.
According to him, promoting proper sanitation and hygiene requires collective action from all segments of society, not just government efforts.
The NOA director noted that open defecation exposes communities to preventable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, which continue to affect public health.
He also called for collaboration between government and private sector investors to ensure that households have access to clean and safe toilet facilities.
Mkpoutom further emphasised the importance of behavioural change through public education and awareness campaigns, urging citizens to take pride in their environment and protect it for future generations.
