Improved access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services has been recorded in parts of Kano State following the sustained interventions by Self Help Africa under its WASH programme.
The development was highlighted during a WASH Media Refresher Training and field assessment tour organised for journalists in the state.
Self Help Africa, an international development organisation committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods and healthy lives in a changing climate, has operated in Nigeria since 1999, supporting initiatives in WASH, agriculture and food systems, sustainable landscape management and climate adaptation.
As part of renewed efforts to strengthen WASH systems in Kano, the organisation convened a media training to reinforce the role of journalists in promoting improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
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According to the organisers, the training was designed to “enhance the capacity of media practitioners to report WASH-related issues effectively, promote behavioural change communication and support sustainability through informed advocacy.”
Following the sessions on accountability, policy tracking, and community engagement, participants visited Maitsidau and Koguna communities in the Makoda Local Government Area to assess ongoing projects and evaluate their impact at the grassroots.
Residents of the Maitsidau community attested to noticeable improvements in access to clean and safe water, saying functional water facilities have eased the burden of trekking long distances in search of water.
A community member, Malam Jamilu Hudu, said the intervention had transformed daily life in the area.
“Before now, getting clean water was a serious challenge. But with this facility and the awareness campaigns, our hygiene practices have greatly improved,” he said.
Similarly, Malam Nazifi Umar noted that the combined effort of political support and WASH sensitisation programmes has strengthened sanitation habits among households.
“People now understand the importance of using proper toilet facilities and keeping their surroundings clean. It has reduced health problems in our homes,” he added.
The Education Secretary of Makoda Local Government Area, Malam Mujitaba Umar, described the partnership between the Kano State Government and Self Help Africa as impactful.
“The collaboration has strengthened WASH services in schools and communities. We are seeing improved toilet usage and better hygiene practices among pupils,” he stated.