Open defecation has been identified as one of the major causes of diseases amongst people.
The Programme Monitoring Officer of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) Mr. Andy Nwanze stated this during a one day WASH Clinic and Review Session at Nnewi North Local Government Headquarters organized in conjunction with UNICEF. Mr. Nwanze said the essence of this event was to sensitize the communities of the dangers and impediments of open defecation and the need for effective hand washing to lessen the burden of diseases.

The Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Council , Prince Chukwudi Orizu, in an opening remark, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of participants and highlighted some of the hazards of open defecation.

On her part, the Sanitation Officer of RUWASA Mrs Nwafor Oluchi said Nigeria was ranked second globally by the United Nations on open defecation which led the Presidency to declare a state of
emergency in that area.

She urged participants to avoid the menace and health challenges that come along with open defecation.

A participant, Pastor Amobi Ike stated that influx of commercial motorcyclist into the Local Government Area was a major cause of open defecation in the area.