The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) has begun mobilising stakeholders across the state's 23 Local Government Areas to accelerate efforts towards achieving open defecation-free communities.
The engagement became necessary since Rivers State is yet to achieve open defecation-free communities statewide, with efforts currently at the pilot stage in Ikwerre LGA.
Through its Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Desk under the Department of Disease Control Services, RSPHCMB convened a two-day stakeholder engagement and enlightenment workshop on 11–12 August 2026 at the Board's headquarters in Portharcourt.
Discussions focused on strengthening understanding of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) and encouraging greater involvement of local government and community leadership in efforts to end open defecation.
Addressing participants, the Director, Department of Disease Control Services, RSPHCMB, Dr Daniel Okachi, said the Board, under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Dr Chituru Adele, is prioritising local government and community leadership in driving CLTS and sanitation action.
Representatives of the 23 Local Government Areas, traditional institutions and participating partners shared perspectives on improved sanitation and community engagement. Discussions also highlighted the public-health implications of poor sanitation, including contamination of water, food and the environment and the associated risks to community health.