Research Article
Accelerating the Elimination of Open Defecation by 2030: Deployment of Locally-adapted Ventilated Improved Pit Latrine Model in Resource-constrained Settings
Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano*
,
Christopher Emeka Anaebonam,
Valentine Chukwuka Agubuokwu
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
71-78
Received:
7 September 2026
Accepted:
18 September 2026
Published:
14 October 2026
Abstract: In 2015, the United Nations adopted the elimination of open defecation as Sustainable Development Goal 6.2. Though modest progress has been achieved, about 673 million people still practise open defecation, prompting concerns on how to overcome these challenges and accelerate actions to meet the target. This study aims to proffer solutions to some of these challenges and contribute in accelerating actions to meet the target by proposing a new latrine model. Considering that cost is the most important factor challenging elimination of open defecation, a working assumption was made that delivery of functional latrines at zero-cost to households in need will generate acceptance and use. Two research questions were formulated pertaining to the feasibility of devising and deploying an alternative zero-cost latrine model across poor communities without endangering public health. Key informant interview and discussion were held with purposively selected community based stakeholders to explore the research questions and provide answers. It was found that: it is feasible to devise a model latrine at zero-cost to poor households; such feasibility will be achieved by simulating the conventional ventilated improved pit latrine and substituting its components with locally available alternatives; the local content achieved is applicable to local communities across countries and regions; and that the alternative model will achieve a cost reduction of about 80 – 90% of the cost of a conventional ventilated improved pit latrine. The study concludes that the alternative latrine model is a viable alternative to the conventional ventilated improved pit latrine in terms of basic functions, sanitary acceptability, and widespread adoption and use; coupled with its added advantage of cheapness and rapid deployment. If the model is adopted and supported with aggressive social marketing, will provide sustained rapid acceleration direly needed to pursue the Sustainable Development Goal target of eliminating open defecation by 2030, about four years ahead.
Abstract: In 2015, the United Nations adopted the elimination of open defecation as Sustainable Development Goal 6.2. Though modest progress has been achieved, about 673 million people still practise open defecation, prompting concerns on how to overcome these challenges and accelerate actions to meet the target. This study aims to proffer solutions to some ...
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Research Article
Highlighting Exposures to Harmful Substances as Indicators of Africa’s Vulnerability to Biological Weapons Related Attack: Strategies to Improve Regional Safety
Emmanuel Chukwuma Obiano*,
Ikechukwu Vincent Obi,
Anthony Chukwume Okolie
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
79-89
Received:
24 September 2026
Accepted:
8 October 2026
Published:
28 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jher.20261204.12
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Abstract: Concerns have been expressed about Africa’s rising population projected to hit 2.4 billion by 2050; the desperate poaching of Africa’s strategic resources by foreign interests; and the rising escapades of foreign-sponsored terrorist- and militant-groups in Africa that may acquire access to biological weapons. This paper therefore seeks to highlight Africa’s exposures to harmful substances as indicators of vulnerability to biological weapons related attacks; and to determine appropriate strategies to effectively protect Africa from the rising threat of harmful substances and bio-weapons related attacks in order to improve regional safety. An exploratory mixed method approach was adopted comprising data/information extraction; content analysis; simulation of the input-processing-output device; management by objective; and rational decision approach. Relying on a 17-point exposure to risks of harmful substances and events including harmful Genetically Modified Organism products, counterfeit medicines, adulterated foods and vaccines, and instigated epidemics and pandemics, it was found that Africa is highly vulnerable to bio-weapons attack. This high vulnerability is stoked by pliant biosafety regulatory agencies, frictious regulatory landscape, surrender of sovereignty and national interest by African countries to external control, and other internal shortcomings such as entrenched trafficking rings, limited access of the populace to essential medicines and supplies, technology limitations, high cost of domestic production and docile cultural practices. The paper concludes that though Africa’s vulnerability to bio-weapons attack is escalating to an impending emergency, a nine-point strategic action-plan will deescalate this vulnerability including: the establishment of the office of National Biosafety Adviser; funding biosafety agencies on consolidated revenue charge; adopting a proactive double-tier pre-shipment and destination inspections for importing affected products into Africa; upgrading biosafety laws to incorporate the three requirements of mandatory open market labelling, the precautionary principle and strict liability clause; sharpening of national and regional mechanisms for threat-detection, early warning and rapid response with intelligence sharing; among others.
Abstract: Concerns have been expressed about Africa’s rising population projected to hit 2.4 billion by 2050; the desperate poaching of Africa’s strategic resources by foreign interests; and the rising escapades of foreign-sponsored terrorist- and militant-groups in Africa that may acquire access to biological weapons. This paper therefore seeks to highlight...
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