1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In the 20th and 21st centuries, global organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have prioritized access to clean water and sanitation as key components of global health initiatives. Despite this progress, billions of people particularly in developing countries still lack access to basic sanitation facilities. According to WHO (2020), approximately 2 billion people globally use a drinking water source contaminated with feces, highlighting the persistent challenge of poor sanitation.
Globally, millions of people still lack access to basic sanitation services, including clean drinking water, safe toilets, and proper waste disposal systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), inadequate sanitation leads to the spread of infectious diseases and significantly contributes to environmental degradation (WHO, 2020). Poor sanitation is a major public health concern, particularly in low-income and rural areas where sanitation systems are either nonexistent or underdeveloped. In these regions, open defecation and unregulated waste disposal practices are commonplace, resulting in the contamination of water sources and the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and malaria (UNICEF, 2019).
Smith et al. (2021) asserted that the environmental impacts of poor sanitation are equally alarming. Untreated waste and sewage often end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, polluting ecosystems and threatening wildlife. The contamination of water bodies not only disrupts aquatic life but also affects communities that rely on these water sources for drinking, agriculture, and recreation. Furthermore, the improper disposal of solid waste contributes to soil contamination and the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and flies (Smith et al., 2021).
According to UNICEF (2020), the effects of poor sanitation are not just limited to health and the environment but also have socioeconomic implications. Communities that suffer from poor sanitation experience higher healthcare costs, lower productivity, and increased poverty rates. Inadequate sanitation also exacerbates inequality, particularly for women and children, who bear the brunt of poor sanitation practices. Women, for instance, often face increased risks of sexual violence and harassment due to the lack of private, safe spaces for sanitation in many areas (UNICEF, 2020).
Sanitation as defined by WHO (2020) refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of human urine and feces. It also includes clean water supplies, the management of waste, and general hygiene practices (WHO, 2020). The relationship between sanitation and public health is deeply interconnected, as poor sanitation provides a breeding ground for pathogens that can cause diseases (UNICEF, 2019).
The environmental consequences of poor sanitation are also severe. Improper disposal of waste can lead to soil and water contamination, disrupting ecosystems and threatening biodiversity. Furthermore, unsanitary conditions can result in the proliferation of pests, including rodents and insects, which further contribute to the spread of diseases (Smith et al., 2021). As the global population grows and urbanization intensifies, the challenges posed by poor sanitation will only become more urgent, making it critical to address the issues of sanitation as part of sustainable development goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. Therefore, this research aims to explore the effects of poor sanitation on public health and the environment
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that poor sanitation remains a critical issue affecting both public health and the environment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite growing awareness and international commitments, millions of people still lack access to safe toilets, clean water, and proper waste disposal systems (WHO, 2020). It is alarming that something as fundamental as access to clean sanitation continues to endanger lives, especially those of children under the age of five, who are disproportionately affected by sanitation-related illnesses (UNICEF, 2019).
The problem of poor sanitation is not just about the absence of toilets or drainage systems it is about the daily health risks people are forced to live with. In many communities, open defecation is still a norm due to lack of facilities, contaminating water bodies and increasing exposure to life-threatening infections. Unsafe sanitation practices are also known to affect women's dignity and safety, especially in areas without private sanitation facilities (UNICEF, 2020).
Furthermore, many governments struggle with the implementation and maintenance of sanitation systems, and in some cases, the lack of political will worsens the situation. The problem is not only technical or financial but also cultural and behavioral. Changing attitudes toward sanitation, along with providing education and accessible infrastructure, is essential for meaningful progress. It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by examining the effects of poor sanitation on public health and the environment.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of poor sanitation on public health and the environment. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To evaluate existing sanitation policies and programs in relation to their effectiveness and implementation.
- To assess the impact of poor sanitation on public health, including the prevalence of sanitation-related diseases.
- To explore the environmental consequences of improper waste disposal and lack of sanitation infrastructure.
- To identify the common sanitation challenges faced by communities and their root causes.
- To recommend practical and sustainable solutions for improving sanitation and minimizing its negative effects on health and the environment.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the following research questions guide this study on the effects of poor sanitation on public health and the environment:
- What are the common sanitation challenges experienced by communities, and what factors contribute to these challenges?
- How does poor sanitation affect public health, particularly in relation to the occurrence of sanitation-related diseases?
- In what ways does inadequate sanitation contribute to environmental pollution and degradation?
- How effective are current sanitation policies and programs in addressing the issues of poor sanitation?
- What sustainable strategies can be implemented to improve sanitation and reduce its adverse effects on both health and the environment?
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research study will be particularly significant for local and national governments in low- and middle-income countries, where access to proper sanitation remains a critical challenge. The research will also guide the development of effective policies and community-based initiatives aimed at promoting cleaner environments and healthier living conditions.
Furthermore, the study will serve as a reference for future academic research and advocacy efforts, encouraging multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve sustainable sanitation goals in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.
Lastly, the study will support academics and researchers by adding to the body of knowledge on sanitation, health, and environmental sustainability, creating a foundation for future studies and cross-sector collaboration.
1.6 Scope of Study
This study focuses on examining the effects of poor sanitation on public health and the environment within Kano State, Nigeria. It will specifically assess selected urban and semi-urban communities within the state where sanitation challenges are prevalent due to population density, and inadequate waste management systems.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Language barriers and varying literacy levels among community members were additional limitations, as they affected the clarity and consistency of responses, particularly during interviews and questionnaire administration.
- The research study was conducted within a limited timeframe, which restricted the ability to observe long-term sanitation-related health and environmental changes.
- The study was limited by financial constraints, which restricted the number of areas that could be covered and the logistics required for field visits.
- Time constraints further narrowed the scope of the study, limiting the duration available for deeper investigation, prolonged observation, or follow-up with respondents.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Sanitation:
Sanitation refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of human urine and feces, as well as the maintenance of hygienic conditions through garbage collection and wastewater disposal. In the context of this study, sanitation includes access to clean toilets, proper sewage systems, and solid waste management, especially in community and public settings (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019).
Poor Sanitation:
Poor sanitation involves the absence, inadequacy, or improper use of sanitation facilities, which leads to exposure to human waste and contributes to environmental pollution and disease transmission. It includes practices such as open defecation, overflowing sewage systems, and uncollected refuse (UNICEF, 2021).
Public Health:
Public health is the science and practice of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private sectors, communities, and individuals. This study views public health through the lens of how poor sanitation influences the spread of preventable diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea (CDC, 2022).
Environment:
The environment encompasses all external conditions that affect the life, development, and survival of organisms. This includes air, water, land, and all living and non-living things. In this study, the term refers specifically to how improper sanitation contaminates water bodies, pollutes land surfaces, and disturbs ecological balance (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2020).
…
