By Amina Kamara
National hygiene stands as a critical determinant of public health and societal well-being in Sierra Leone. From urban centres to rural villages, the state of sanitation and cleanliness profoundly impacts the health outcomes and quality of life of its citizens. In recent years, concerted efforts have been made to address hygiene challenges, but significant hurdles remain on the path to achieving comprehensive improvement.
In urban areas like Freetown, inadequate sanitation infrastructure exacerbates hygiene concerns. Overcrowded living conditions, insufficient waste management systems, and limited access to clean water contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. The 2012 cholera outbreak in Freetown, which claimed numerous lives, served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved hygiene infrastructure and practices.
In rural regions, access to basic sanitation facilities remains a pressing issue. Many communities lack access to clean water sources and proper toilet facilities, forcing residents to resort to open defecation practices. The absence of adequate sanitation not only poses health risks but also perpetuates a cycle of poverty and marginalization, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Water scarcity and contamination further compound hygiene challenges in Sierra Leone. Despite being endowed with abundant water resources, access to safe drinking water remains elusive for many communities. Polluted water sources, contaminated by sewage and industrial waste, pose significant health risks and contribute to the prevalence of waterborne diseases.
Poor hygiene practices have far-reaching implications for health and education outcomes in Sierra Leone. Preventable diseases resulting from inadequate sanitation and hygiene contribute to high mortality rates, particularly among children under five. Moreover, frequent illness and absenteeism due to preventable diseases undermine educational attainment and perpetuate cycles of poverty.
Meeting the challenge
The Sierra Leonean government, in collaboration with international partners and non-governmental organizations, has implemented various initiatives to address hygiene challenges. The launch of the National Sanitation and Hygiene Policy in 2016 marked a significant milestone in prioritizing sanitation and hygiene at the national level.
Additionally, projects aimed at improving access to clean water, promoting hygiene education, and enhancing sanitation infrastructure have been undertaken with support from organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization.
Community-led approaches play a crucial role in driving change at the grassroots level. Initiatives such as the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) program empower communities to take ownership of their sanitation and hygiene practices. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility and leveraging local knowledge, CLTS initiatives have proven effective in promoting behaviour change and improving hygiene outcomes.
While progress has been made, sustaining momentum in the journey towards improved national hygiene remains paramount. Strengthening partnerships between government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities is essential for scaling up interventions and ensuring their long-term sustainability.
Furthermore, investing in hygiene education, promoting innovative sanitation solutions, and enhancing access to clean water are key priorities for advancing the health and well-being of all Sierra Leoneans.
In conclusion, addressing the challenges of national hygiene in Sierra Leone requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses infrastructural, behavioural, and systemic barriers. By prioritizing sanitation and hygiene as fundamental components of public health and development, Sierra Leone can pave the way towards a healthier, more prosperous future for its citizens.