Cameroon

World Toilet Day 2024: Bridging the Sanitation Gap Amidst Conflict

Today, November 19, the global community marks World Toilet Day 2024. The day highlights the urgent need for access to safe and sustainable sanitation. This year’s theme, “Leaving No One Behind: Sanitation for All,” aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

However, in Cameroon’s North West and South West Regions, this goal remains a distant reality due to the ongoing armed conflict that has exacerbated the region’s sanitation crisis.

The World Health Organization warns that poor sanitation contributes to diseases like diarrhea and cholera, claiming the lives of over 700 children under five daily.

In conflict-affected regions like the North West and South West Regions, the challenge is more acute. With thousands displaced and critical infrastructure destroyed, many residents rely on open defecation or poorly maintained latrines, further endangering public health.

“Just around the former St. Maria Soledad Hospital entrance, there is a toilet system which is full and the sanitation unit of the Bamenda City Council does not care” said a resident of Nchuoboh.

“The toilet facilities of especially bars and other public places has become a center for disease distribution” said Haoul, a resident of Bamenda. “personally I like open air defecation because it’s safest for me” she added.

Although the armed conflict has added pressure on existing institutions, breaking down sanitation systems.

“In Bamenda, most toilet facilities lack water, making it had to use” said Mankah, a bar attender.

These conditions have contributed to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, which has plagued parts of Cameroon in recent years. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, as the lack of proper toilets jeopardizes their safety and dignity.

Mimi Mefo Info

Kate Bih

Recent Posts

Cameroonians Among 11 Arrested in Nairobi Over Multi-Million Gold Scam

Detectives in Nairobi have arrested 11 suspects, including two Cameroonian nationals. They were arrested in…

2 hours ago

In Pictures – Labour Day 2025 Celebrated with Colour and Call for Rights in Bamenda

The 139th edition of International Labour Day was marked in Bamenda with a vibrant display…

3 hours ago

Traoré Thanks Supporters as Mass Rallies Reject Foreign Interference

Burkina Faso’s president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has expressed his gratitude to supporters around the world…

3 hours ago

Fako Trade Unions Decry Non-payment of Salaries at Labour Day Celebration

Some trade unions in Fako Division, South West Region, are urging for better working conditions…

7 hours ago

Bokwaongo Royal Family Rejects Njie Mbonde’s Designation as Chief

By Tata Mbunwe The designation of journalist Albert Njie Mbonde as Chief of Bokwaongo village…

8 hours ago

Menka Village Responds to Separatist Attacks: Kidnapping and Recovery of Stolen Equipment

Youths in Menka, a village in the Pinyin area of Cameroon’s North West Region, have…

9 hours ago