A Professor of Environmental and Public Health Microbiology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Vincent Chigor has emphasised that water testing and treatment are crucial for disease control in rural areas.
Speaking in Nsukka on Thursday during the 4th International Conference on Water in Africa (ICWA), organised by the Water and Public Health Research Group (WPHRG), Chigor underscored the importance of ensuring clean water for public health.
With the theme “Water and the SDGs in Africa: Prioritising the Clean Water and Sanitation, Zero Hunger, and Climate Action Triad,” the conference highlighted the role of water management in achieving sustainable development.
Chigor stressed the importance of water testing and treatment, particularly in rural communities, to improve public health and prevent diseases such as acute respiratory infections and neglected tropical diseases.
“Water testing and treatment are crucial for environmental protection, economic well-being, and public health by ensuring safe and clean water for consumption, industrial use, and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
“Safe and sufficient water facilitates the practice of hygiene, especially in rural areas, which is a key measure to prevent not only diarrhoeal diseases but also acute respiratory infections and numerous neglected tropical diseases.
“So, this conference is intended to train people so that they can go back to their communities and show them how to determine whether the water in their area is safe for drinking or not.
“The conference also teaches participants how to treat water and make it safe for drinking at the community level,” he said.
As the convener of the conference, Chigor explained that ICWA was established in 2022 to address water-related challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We have a ten-year mandate to mobilise, motivate, and engage stakeholders in exploring the critical role of water in successfully delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo commended Chigor and his research group for their dedication to the ICWA initiative.
“I commend your group for taking the initiative to address clean water access, a critical issue that impacts public health and environmental sustainability.
“The importance of improving water and sanitation practices cannot be overstated. A conference like this, which brings together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and find solutions to water-related challenges, is invaluable.
“My administration is deeply committed to supporting initiatives like this that promote sustainable development and address global challenges,” he said.
Delivering a keynote address virtually, titled “Water and the SDGs: Achieving Safe Drinking Water for All in a Changing Climate,” Prof. Katrina Charles, a Lecturer at the School of Geography and Environment, Oxford University, UK, highlighted her research on improving water security for marginalised populations in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
She explained that enhancing water security for disadvantaged communities would significantly reduce waterborne diseases, improve hygiene, and contribute to better public health.
“My work addresses the role of human behaviour in achieving water security and managing water-related health challenges.
“I am happy that this conference is bringing together researchers and policymakers to discuss water treatment, utilisation, and management for the healthy living of people in Africa,” she said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, Prof. Kehinde Eniola who chaired the conference, praised Chigor for his commitment to sustaining the ICWA initiative since its inception in 2022.
Eniola explained that the conference was not merely about academic publications but focused on practical solutions for water testing and treatment, ensuring wider access to clean water.
“I commend the convener for sustaining this conference since 2022, working towards ensuring that Nigeria and other African countries have access to clean water, which will significantly improve public health,” he said.
The conference also featured an exhibition of art and poetry, commemorating the 4th ICWA, organised by Our Water and Health Network Africa at the Institute of African Studies, UNN.
NAN
