This call to action was made during the inauguration ceremony of the network, which followed a three-day capacity-building workshop for media practitioners.
The WASH project is implemented by Self Help Africa, a leading international development charity with expertise in small-scale farming and growing family-farm businesses.
The project aims to promote awareness and advocacy towards checking the menace of open defecation, provision of clean water, and hygienic environments.
The capacity-building workshop trained 11 media practitioners on key thematic areas, including the role of the media in strengthening WASH systems in Kano.
Other areas covered included story development on WASH issues, budget monitoring and tracking in the WASH sector, advocacy journalism, and the use of social media for WASH reporting.
Abdullahi Jalaluddeen, Chairman of the network, emphasized the significance of the WASH Policy Bill in advancing water, sanitation, and hygiene in the state.
“The bill is not just about regulation; it is about saving lives, ensuring clean water, and maintaining our Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, especially in vulnerable communities,” he stressed.
Jalaluddeen highlighted the fundamental importance of access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene practices to human health and dignity. He noted that the bill would go a long way in achieving a healthy environment if passed by the state government.
The Kano State Government has demonstrated its commitment to improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities. In 2024, the government earmarked over N1.9 billion in its budget for the development of water and sanitation infrastructure.
Self Help Africa, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and Kano State Government, is implementing the WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) programme.
The programme aims to improve access to inclusive, reliable, and climate-resilient water and sanitation services in Kano State.
The partnership between Self Help Africa, the Kano State Government, and other stakeholders is crucial in promoting WASH awareness and advocacy.
The WASH Media Network’s efforts will contribute significantly to improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services in the state.
Kano State faces significant WASH challenges, including limited access to potable water and sanitation facilities. The WASH Media Network’s efforts will help raise awareness and promote solutions to these challenges
