The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) has intensified efforts to achieve open defecation-free communities by mobilising stakeholders across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.
The initiative is currently at the pilot stage in Ikwerre LGA, as Rivers State works towards achieving statewide open defecation-free status.
Through its Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Desk under the Department of Disease Control Services, the Board held a two-day stakeholder engagement and enlightenment workshop on August 11–12, 2026, at its headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The workshop focused on Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), with emphasis on strengthening the participation of local government authorities, traditional institutions and community leaders in ending open defecation.
The Director of Disease Control Services, Dr Daniel Okachi, said the Board, under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Dr Chituru Adele, was prioritising local government and community leadership to drive sanitation initiatives.
Representatives from the 23 LGAs, traditional institutions and partner organisations shared ideas on improving sanitation and community participation.
Participants also examined the public health dangers of poor sanitation, including the contamination of water, food and the environment, as well as the risks such conditions pose to community health.
