Elections come with various opportunities, one of which is presenting the people an opportunity to exercise their fundamental human right by voting responsible public office holders. As millions of Nigeria head to poll, Media For Community Change has partnered with WaterAid Nigeria to educate people on the need to #Vote4WASH during the #NigeriaDecides2019 and thereafter.

This is very important to our organization seeing that poor or no access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene facility is a big challenge in most local communities where we work. We understand that if leaders prioritise WASH sector and provide necessary infrastructures in their communities, it will transform the standard of living and improve health status.

Delivery of WASH services acts as a primary barrier to disease transmission and hygiene promotion, particularly handwashing with soap, has been identified as the most cost-effective disease control intervention. Yet 87% of the population do not have basic hygiene facilities and almost a third (29%) of hospitals and clinics in the country do not have access to clean water; the same percentage do not have access to clean water; the same percentage do not have safe toilets and one in six(16%) do not have anywhere to wash hands with soap according to a World Health Organization report.

Access to water, sanitation are crucial for good outcomes in health, nutrition, education & livelihoods and inadequate or poor WASH services have an impact on virtually all aspects of human development, disproportionately affecting the life chances of women and girls. No one should have to live without these basic life-saving services. Ensure your vote counts and demand these social services from your candidates and duty bearers.