In anticipation of the upcoming 2024 International Water Conference, Rite Place Health hosted a pivotal pre-conference press briefing on Friday in Abuja. Pharm. Chukwumezie Okechukwu Okolo, PhD, RPh, FAIPH, President/Executive Director of Rite Place Health, highlighted a critical public health issue: the essential need for water quality in Nigeria. This year’s conference theme, “Beyond Access – Quality Matters: Ensuring Safe Water Distribution in Africa,” calls for a comprehensive approach to water distribution that emphasizes both access and quality. Okolo stressed that while improving access to water has been a focus, ensuring its quality is equally important.
Despite efforts to improve water access, the quality of both bottled and sachet water remains inconsistent,” Okolo stated. “Access alone does not guarantee quality. Without quality, access to water can lead to serious health issues such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid. Our mission is to ensure that quality is not overlooked.
The briefing emphasized that water quality impacts not only individual health but also broader public health outcomes. Okolo explained that many neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are waterborne or related, affecting the most vulnerable populations. “NTDs are a stark reminder of the neglect faced by those who, through no fault of their own, live with diseases that could be prevented,” he said. “Our goal is to shine a light on these issues and ensure that no one suffers needlessly.
Addressing the role of Primary Health Care (PHC) centers, Okolo highlighted a significant problem: many lack access to clean water, affecting their ability to deliver essential health services. “PHC centers, where vaccinations are administered and antenatal care is provided, often struggle with inadequate water supply,” he noted. “This lack of clean water contributes to increased perinatal complications and high mortality rates, especially in Africa. Ensuring these centers have reliable access to clean water is vital for improving health outcomes.
Rite Place Health Initiative, an NGO dedicated to tackling public health issues related to water quality and NTDs, has a clear vision: an Africa free from waterborne diseases and a primary healthcare system that functions optimally. “We view clean water as a fundamental human right,” Okolo said. “Advocating for access to quality water and prioritizing it in budgets is not an extreme request but a basic necessity.”
The upcoming conference, titled “Beyond Access: Quality Matters,” aims to bring together government officials, private sector leaders, researchers, and the general public to address these issues comprehensively. The conference will feature the inauguration of the Beyond Access Ambassadors and the launch of the Beyond Access Quarterly Magazine. “Our ambassadors will play a crucial role in identifying and reporting cases of waterborne diseases and monitoring water quality at the grassroots level,” Okolo explained. “The magazine will showcase our efforts, highlight success stories, and provide updates on our initiatives.”
The Rite Place Health Initiative is calling for partnerships and sponsorships to support their mission. The goal is to ensure clean quality water is available at least one PHC center in every local government area (LGA) over the next five years. “We invite local and international partners and players in the industry to join us in this vital cause,” Okolo said. “Your support can make a significant difference in addressing this public health crisis.
The conference will conclude with a dinner and awards ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to humanitarian efforts. “We hope this event will not only raise awareness but also galvanize action towards improving water quality and primary healthcare across Africa,” Okolo added.
As the conference date approaches, Rite Place Health will continue to engage with partners and stakeholders to build momentum and foster a shared commitment to improving water quality and public health in Africa. The organization invites everyone to join hands in this vital mission, reaffirming the belief that quality water is a fundamental right for all.
For participation at the conference, register at: www.riteplacehealth.org/events.
