The Pujehun District recently marked the celebration of World Toilet Day, emphasizing the critical role of toilets in promoting safe sanitation.

Hosted by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the event aimed at highlighting the theme, “Accelerating Change for Safe Sanitation”.

Kicking off with a spirited march pass along the principal streets of Pujehun, the ceremony drew a diverse crowd, including the Pujehun District Council, Paramount Chiefs, Women of Wanjama, Market Women, Petti Traders, Students, Teachers, Security Apparatus, Health Workers, Civil Society, and the Media.

Musa Sesay, the Disease Surveillance Officer (2), representing the District Medical Officer, underscored the global significance of World Toilet Day, designated by the United Nations to break taboos surrounding toilets and prioritize global development efforts towards sanitation for all.

Addressing the purpose of the gathering, Jonathan Kongo Ellie, the Principal Superintendent of Environmental Health, stressed the importance of recognizing and celebrating toilets while highlighting their life-saving significance. Ellie pointed out that 4.2 billion people globally lack access to proper sanitation due to financial constraints and misconceptions about the importance of toilets, leading to the spread of fatal diseases.

Jonathan Sei, the District WASH Engineer, emphasized the vital role toilets play in communities, advocating for increased awareness and action on global water, sanitation, and hygiene issues.

P.C Samuel Ansumana Saffa Gbonda, the chairman of the council of paramount chiefs in Pujehun District, expressed gratitude for commemorating World Toilet Day in the district for the first time. He stressed the need to spread awareness about sustainable sanitation and urged fellow chiefs to champion the campaign in their respective chiefdoms.

Joseph E.V Moore, speaking on behalf of the Pujehun District Youth Council Chairman, echoed the sentiment that access to sanitation is a fundamental human right, emphasizing that toilets aren’t merely conveniences but essential for human dignity. He urged everyone to join hands in maintaining a clean environment.

Mamawa Kaikai, the District Mammy Queen representing the Women of Wanjama, thanked the ministries involved and called for a revival of Sanitary Officers to address sanitation issues in the district.

This significant event marked the first-ever commemoration of World Toilet Day in Pujehun District, highlighting the community’s commitment to promoting sanitation equity and emphasizing the pivotal role of toilets in ensuring public health and dignity.