Sightsavers Nigeria has called on Nigerians to join the fight for clean water by taking action to conserve water resources.

Development Diaries reports that the humanitarian organisation made the call against the backdrop of the 2023 World Water Day.

World Water Day is a United Nations observance day (22 March) to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

In a press statement to Development Diaries, the organisation highlighted the importance of clean water access and its impact on eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

SDG Six: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

In Nigeria, approximately 60 million people lack access to safe water sources, leading to numerous health challenges and impeding socio-economic development.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water remains a challenge in the country because over 86 percent of Nigerians lack access to a safely managed drinking water source.

‘We are calling on all Nigerians to join the fight for clean water access by taking action to conserve water resources, promoting sustainable water management practices, and advocating for policies that prioritise water access for all’, the statement read in part.

Country Coordinator for trachoma at Sightsavers, Dr Teyil Wamyil-Mshelia, noted the importance of sanitation services in treating and eliminating diseases like the NTDs.

‘We often find that areas, where there is a lack of access to safe water and sanitation, are also hotspots for neglected tropical diseases we treat like trachoma – which shows how important it is that we accelerate change in this area’, the statement quoted Wamyil-Mshelia as saying.

The organisation said it was committed to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to clean water by partnering with communities, governments, and other stakeholders to implement sustainable water supply and sanitation projects.

Photo source: UNICEF