NGO To Develop Strategy For Eradication Of Water Borne Diseases.

 

CEO Okolo, Harps On Community Involvement In Advocacy For Quality Water. 

.....Traditional Ruler Calls For Incorporation Of Indigenous Knowledge In Provision Of Quality Water As Rite Place Health Kicks-Off  2-Day 2024 International Water Conference. 

Rite Place Health Initiative on Wednesday kicked-off its 2-day 2024 International Water Conference in Abuja. 

The conference which held at Merit House Maitama themed 'Beyond Access, Quality Matters and seeks to help ensure safe Water distribution in Africa, held two panel discussions. 

The first panel discussion was focused on Water borne diseases and how Africa should fare while the second panel discussion highlighted the emerging water treatment technologies. 

The conference had in attendance the representive of the Honorable Minister, Federal Ministry of water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsav, representative of the Royal mother of the day, former first lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E Dame Patience Jonathan, the Royal father of the day Chairman South-East Traditional Council HRM Igwe Dr. Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu (Ogadagidi), representative of NAFDAC, representatives of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, the President of Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEP) Dr. Helen Adebakin alongside other dignitaries and other heads of organisations and partners. 

The Executive Director, Rite Place Health and chief Convener of the event, Chukwuemezie Ololo, in an interview with the press stated that the conference aims at coming up with strategy to eradicate water-borne diseases starting with Nigeria then across Africa.

" Thankfully in this conference, we have participants from Malawi, Uganda and Rwanda.

" The essence of the 'Beyond access, quality matters' conference is to bring quality to the table and take the conversation on water beyond access," he said.

He further stressed that provision of quality water does not lie with the government alone but involves participation of individuals, communities and agencies.

Speaking further, he highlighted challenges encountered especially with producers of bottled and packaged water, he however commended the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for working closely with the organization to advance the course.

The Royal Father of the day HRM Asadu in his address reterated that 'Water is a fundamental human right essential for life, health and sustainable development'.
"In our quest to ensure safe water distribution in Africa, we must address the multifaceted challenges that impeded water quality. Pollution inadequate infrastructure, climate change, and lack of awareness all contribute to the degradation of our water sources."

HRM Asadu further advocated the adoption of a holistic approach that encompasses technological innovations, policy frameworks, community engagement, and traditional knowledge to safeguard our water resources.

" As a custodian of traditional wisdom and values, I emphasize the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge systems in our efforts to promote water quality",he added. 

The CEO of Hope Raisers Global Foundation, Ambassador Angonimi David-Imeh speaking to the press at the event laid emphasis on the need for continuity, and accountability of agencies while also taking the advocacy and ongoing work to the rural communities. She also spelt the need for raising ambassadors to champion the course.