The
Director of Health Promotion and Education Unit at the Ministry of Health and
Social Welfare, Modou Njai, has said The Gambia is committed to ending
open-defecation in the country.
Mr
Njai made the statement in an interview with this paper upon his return from a
high-level meeting held in the United Stated of America.
He
said this is possible because of the strong partnership and networking with the
community, media, district authorities, village heads and the participation and
support of UN Agencies in the crusade to end open-defecation in The Gambia.
He
further stated that The Gambia would end open-defecation by 2017, with the
collaboration of all and sundry.
Mr
Njai said that hopefully before the end of 2017, The Gambia will be an
open-defecation free country.
He
said a lot of advocacy campaigns have been undertaken ranging from the village
heads, community, and village development committees. All of these activities
are geared towards creating awareness on the importance of using a latrine.
He
said the campaign was not only to provide latrines, but to bring about
behavioral changes such as using latrines and telling the community to take
ownership of their latrines.
According
to him, he attended various meeting whereby countries were advised to come up
with their national report on open-defecation and The Gambia’s declaration
states open defecation would end by 2017.
Mr Njai commended the community and regional
district authorities for a high sense of commitment, dedication and
participation in the crusade to end open defecation in The Gambia.
He
also dilated on the significant role of the media and thanked them for their
close collaboration in disseminating information to the grassroots to raise
awareness on the usage of latrines in society.
He
commended UNICEF for supporting the campaign.
He
disclosed that The Gambia, in collaboration with all sectors, will organise a
national caravan in November to sensitise people on the importance of using
latrines.
He
also commended the community of KAIAF for been the first district in The Gambia
to be declared open-defecation-free and urged them to maintain the title.
He
emphasised the cordial relationship that the Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare are enjoying with the media through the Association of Health
Journalists.
Mr
Njai also expressed gratitude and appreciation at the level of cooperation from
the various ministries towards ending open-defecation in The Gambia.
He
described the meeting as very successful because the Gambian delegates
showcased their achievements. He said The Gambia is able to achieve its goal
through constant monitoring and supervision.
