The Ademola Family’s Struggle Against Disease and Poverty in Rural Nigeria
In a rural village in southwestern Nigeria, the Ademola family faces severe hardships due to inadequate sanitation and healthcare. Their home, a basic hut surrounded by the stench of human waste, lacks proper sanitation facilities, leading to frequent illness and severe health issues among the family members.
Five-year-old Bukola suffers from diarrhea and worms, while her older brother, Ola, has been diagnosed with river blindness, a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) caused by parasitic worms transmitted by blackflies. The family’s financial strain means that the parents work long hours in the fields, leaving their children vulnerable to disease.
The Ademolas’ situation is not unique; millions of Nigerians live in similar conditions, facing NTDs such as onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis. These diseases contribute to a cycle of poverty, malnutrition, and poor health. In Nigeria, open defecation is a significant issue, exacerbating the spread of these diseases and contaminating water sources.
In response, some communities are working to improve sanitation. For instance, Baale Babalola Abidemi of Alagba Village reported progress with new latrines but acknowledged that changing ingrained cultural practices remains a challenge.
According to the WASH National Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) report, 48 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, with Ebonyi State leading at 73%. Efforts are ongoing to address this, including campaigns and investments in sanitation infrastructure.
UNICEF and other organizations stress that improving sanitation is crucial for combating NTDs. Safe sanitation practices can significantly reduce the incidence of these diseases and improve overall public health.
The Clean Nigeria Campaign aims to construct 20 million toilets and eliminate open defecation by 2030, though current investment falls short of the required $10 billion annually. These efforts are vital for improving the health and quality of life for millions of Nigerians, as addressing sanitation issues is integral to overcoming the broader challenges of disease and poverty.
