Despite several policies and schemes for improvement of water and sanitation in the country, a large number of people still do not have access to toilets.
As per reports, around 683 millions of people in the country defecate openly, said Trustee and CEO of Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) Shaifalika Panda during a panel discussion on ‘Water and sanitation: foundation for improved health’ here on Thursday.
BIPF, in partnership with FICCI Adiyta Birla CSR Centre of Excellence and FICCI Odisha State Council, organised the event to create awareness about improving water and sanitation facilities across the country.
Panda said, “Around 77 per cent people in the State defecate in open. Around 20 per cent communicable diseases are related to water, sanitation and hygiene.”
Speaking on the occasion, WASH specialist of UNICEF Brecht Mommen said, “Priority should be given to stop open defecation, which contaminates the surroundings and causes diseases. Children are the most vulnerable and 16 per cent of global children are affected by diarrhea. So, sanitation is a must for kids’ health.”
Similarly, State consultant of Odisha State Water and Sanitation Mission Tuhina Roy said, “There is a need to bring behavioral changes among the people for improved sanitation.”
The speakers also focused on sensitising people about water and sanitation, hygiene and its impact on health, sharing best practice programmes by different agencies and existing partnerships and how Government, NGOs and private organisations can together bring a faster impact in the society on this front.