Bauchi govt urged to earmark funds for infectious diseases prevention

The Bauchi State government must take urgent action in implementing the key recommendations proposed to strengthen its water, sanitation and hygiene service delivery systems, in collaboration with relevant sectors and stakeholders.

The charge is coming from stakeholders championing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services in Bauchi state.

They have also asked the government to review the state budget to adequately reflect preventive strategies for infectious diseases such as cholera, Lassa fever and COVID-19 as well as ensure that allocated funds are released and implemented to reduce over-dependence on donor agencies.

Speaking in Bauchi on Thursday, Programme Coordinator Network of Society for Water and Sanitation, Mr Kakani Nicole said governments at all levels across the country must continue to promote and prioritize disease prevention through adequate and equitable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services to have a healthy society

Her call came during an advocacy and sensitization meeting with community and religious leaders on COVID-19 prevention and other infectious diseases organized by Women Development Association for Self-Sustainance (WODASS) with funding from WaterAid Nigeria.

He said to curtail the spread of COVID-19 as new variants continue to emerge, there must be a focus on hygiene behaviour change interventions, complemented by a drive to boost the uptake of vaccines.

“The Bauchi State government must take urgent action in implementing the key recommendations proposed to strengthen its water, sanitation and hygiene service delivery systems, in collaboration with relevant sectors and stakeholders”

“Since WASH is critical in maintaining the dignity of human life and keeping communities healthy and productive, the State must continue to promote disease prevention through the promotion of good practices while also putting measures, especially infrastructure, in place to ensure people are able to practice and sustain good behaviours”

The government should domesticate the National WASH COVID-19 guidelines with the involvement of the Bauchi State Task Force on COVID-19 and prioritize the establishment of a Water Regulatory Commission for effective monitoring of the Water Corporation, improved service delivery and revenue generation through utility water bills. This will lead to quality water supply, reduce epidemics of water-borne diseases and improve the lives and health of citizens” The Stakeholders recommended.