Following the outbreak of Cholera across the country, the Federal Government has commenced measures to combat the epidemic by tackling the root causes.

At the inauguration of the committee at the Presidential Villa Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to end open defecation by 2025.

He said ending open defecation can be achieved by mobilising strategic stakeholders and leveraging technology as well as deploying innovative and sustainable solutions to boost the nation’s sanitation landscape.

The Vice President who underscored the significance of hygiene, health, and its impact on development and wealth, urged the committee to align with broader government priorities and interventions in areas such as poverty reduction, education, and economic growth.

According to him, the reported cases of cholera in the country should serve as sufficient motivation for the committee to work harder, just as he directed members of the committee to craft solutions to handle wastewater management, contaminated water sources, and open defecation across the country.

“The public sector cannot succeed in this campaign unless we engage and encourage private sector participation and invite innovative and sustainable solutions.

“We must partner by utilizing technology for real-time monitoring, data collection, and impact assessment while recognizing the role of youth and women in driving change,” Shettima emphasised.

The Clean Nigeria Campaign was flagged off in 2019, and the current administration is reviewing the progress achieved so far in the country.

Since the outbreak of Cholera in 2024, 33 deaths have been recorded and over 2000 people affected in 33 states.