By Kadiatu A Turay

In a significant stride towards improving sanitation and public health, the Ministry of Water Resources has certified four chiefdoms as Open Defecation Free (ODF). This achievement comes as part of nationwide efforts to promote hygiene and is timely ahead of the global observance of World Toilet Day on November 19, 2024.

These chiefdoms are Tainkatopa, Lower Bambara, Malema, and Safroko Limba. The certification recognizes the dedication of communities in the certified chiefdoms, local authorities, and sanitation partners who collaborated to achieve this milestone. The Ministry of Water Resources led the initiative in partnership with international and local organizations working to improve access to proper sanitation facilities.

Four chiefdoms have successfully met the criteria for being declared ODF. This means these communities now have access to functional, clean toilets, and open defecation has been eradicated. This achievement reflects the culmination of awareness campaigns, construction of sanitation facilities, and behavior change initiatives.

The certified chiefdoms are located across different regions of Sierra Leone, demonstrating the national scope of the initiative. These regions faced historical challenges in sanitation, making this milestone particularly impactful.

The announcement comes just days ahead of World Toilet Day, an annual event observed on November 19 to highlight the global sanitation crisis and advocate for solutions to improve access to safe toilets.

Open defecation poses severe health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea, which disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations. Achieving ODF status not only improves public health but also enhances dignity and safety, particularly for women and girls.

The success of this initiative was driven by a multi-pronged approach:

Community Engagement:

Grassroots awareness campaigns educated residents about the dangers of open defecation and the importance of sanitation.

Infrastructure Development:

Sanitation facilities were constructed with support from government and non-governmental organizations.

Capacity Building:

Training programs equipped local leaders with the skills to sustain the initiative and encourage compliance.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Rigorous assessments ensured the chiefdoms met ODF criteria before certification.

During the certification ceremony, Minister of Water Resources, Ing. Philip Lansana, emphasized, “This is not just a milestone for the four chiefdoms but a demonstration of what we can achieve as a nation when we prioritize sanitation and hygiene.” He further called on other chiefdoms to follow suit and reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving universal access to sanitation by 2030.

As Sierra Leone joins the world in celebrating World Toilet Day, the certification of these chiefdoms serves as an inspiring example of progress in the fight against poor sanitation and a reminder of the work that remains.