In efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3) on Health and Well-being and (SDG6) on Water and Sanitation, the Zai Development Foundation, a non-governmental organization in Borno State, has launched a Children Hygiene and Sanitation Education (CHASE) club.

This initiative targets both public and private primary schools, aiming to instill healthy living practices among children, their peers, and families.

The CHASE clubs have been established in Goni Kachallari Primary School, Asheikh Jarma Primary School, Ngamari Secondary School, and Maisandari Alamderi Primary School.

Hajia Fatima Kolo Lawan, the Executive Director of Zai Development Foundation, emphasized the importance of safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene for human health and well-being.

She noted that establishing CHASE Clubs in schools can improve school attendance, enhance dignity, and help create resilient communities that thrive in healthy environments.

In addition to her work with these schools, Hajia Fatima has engaged with communities in Madinatu, Elmaskin in Jere, and Sabon Gari camp in MMC. She plans to expand her efforts to include Bama and Dikwa.

Hajia Fatima highlighted the long-term benefits of improved sanitation, noting that it can reduce diarrhea morbidity by 32%. Furthermore, hygiene interventions, such as hygiene education and handwashing promotion, can decrease diarrheal cases by up to 45%.

She therefore, urged the government and other development partners to invest in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, particularly among school children, to promote health and prevent disease.

Credit: Mary Agidi, Publisher, JATS ONLINE NEWS