Open Defecation and Water-Related Parasitic Diseases Burden: Case Study in Nigeria — A Review

Abstract

Open defecation and its water-related parasitic diseases burdens are very grave health issues in Nigeria, all underdeveloped/developing countries; and large populations are at risks. Study was based on data collection through primary and secondary sources. 20% of Nigerians still openly defecate and stands 25th in the world rating; most Europe and North America is free of this habit, and 68% Niger Republican still indulge and they’re the worst in the world. It is most common where toilet facilities, pipe borne water, poor sewage disposal, homeless and illiteracy thrive. It’s done by various methods; government/non-government agencies, enlightened/semi-literate/literates (e.g., undergraduates in hostels) are involved. Burdens of this habit politically, economically, health-wise, and socially is heavy. Associated water-related parasitic pathogens which contaminate water resources include: Protozoa (9); Platyhelminthes (13); and nematodes (7). Burdens/effects, of various serious diseases, are high on the nation. Open defecation is the major means of seeding parasites into soils/water-resources/bodies. Rural communities are at highest risk of these parasitic-water-borne diseases. Implications of these findings suggest that parasitic organisms are maintained by a viable ecosystem in remote settlements/many urban areas among the poor. Preventive measures: boiling/treating potable water; government/non-governmental agencies provision of pipe-borne water; wells, ponds, bore holes, streams; protections of water-resources from contaminations.