The Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe) has highlighted how the practice of open defecation undermines human dignity.
National Convener for M-CODe, Mr Francis Ameyibor in his remarks during the inauguration of the Upper West Region’s branch of the Coalition, the launch of M-CODe Upper West Regional Strategic Stakeholders Dialogue Platform and the M-CODE Election 2024 Open Defecation Free Manifesto in Wa on Thursday, April 25, stated that open defecation undermines the well-being and dignity of society.
“Today, I want to talk about a critical issue that affects us all: open defecation. This practice is not only harmful to our health and environment, but it also undermines our dignity and well-being.”
“That is the reason the Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) at the beginning of the year renewed the Anti-Open Defecation Nationwide Advocacy, that is a persistent national advocacy campaign that aims to spark enthusiasm for ending the practise of defecating outside of a toilet,” he added.
He also spoke about the negative health implications of the practice of open defecation and called on the media to take a stand against the practice.
He stated that “open defecation contaminates our water sources, spreads diseases like cholera and diarrhea, and poses a significant risk to public health. It also harms our environment, polluting our soil and waterways. But beyond these physical consequences, open defecation also has a profound impact on our dignity and self-respect. It forces us to live in unsanitary conditions, compromising our privacy and safety.”
Mr Ameyibor commended World Vision Ghana for consistently supporting the activities of M-CODe. The M-CODe campaign is on the theme: “It is time to Kill open defecation! before it Kills us soon.”
Mr Peter Maala, the Upper West Regional Coordinating Director speaking on behalf of the Regional Minister commended M-CODe setting up a branch in the region. He noted that the media involvement in the campaign against open defecation will bring the needed education against the practice to the public.
He said the Regional Coordinating Council is committed and looking forward to working with M-CODe in the region.
“We look forward to effectively collaborate and work with you so that together we proffer the solutions to this open defecation menace and general sanitation that will inure to the benefit of our people,” he said.
Miss Anita Seidu, the Healthy Environment and Wellness Officer for World Vision, Wa West who spoke on behalf of World Vision Ghana WASH Technical Specialist, said World Vision is concerned about the fact that over 3500 children die every year from diarrhoea and other preventable diseases.
“For believers in a better world for children, World Vision is concerned that Open Defecation is still practised by approximately 17.7% of Ghana’s population (PHC 2021). This translates into almost 5.5 million people in Ghana. Indeed, the fact that more Ghanaians are practicing Open Defecation today than they were in 1990 should be a major source of worry to Government and all of us.
“It is even sadder to observe that some 3,600 children die every year from diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and typhoid fever when these are easily preventable with affordable and proven interventions such as the use of improved TOILET facilities and handwashing with soap under running water.”
That, she explained motivated World Vision Ghana to facilitate the establishment and launch of the Media Coalition against Open Defecation in partnership with Kings Hall Media and the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources.