FG seeks partnership on Lifestraw filters
WITH a population of over 180 million people and increasing demand for water and sanitation services, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has called for partnership with Vestergard to maximize the benefit of Life straw filters to effectively check contaminated water, which harbors not only pathogens but heavy metals such as lead, mercury and others.
Vestergaard is a company headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland that manufactures public health tools for people in developing countries and manufacturer of Lifestraw, which is being distributed in Nigeria by Environfocus Limited.
Speaking at the launch of the product in Abuja with the theme “Availing Safe Water Drinking for All”, the minister said the development and launching of this important initiative is a step forward towards biotechnological advancement necessary for the achievement of the desired objectives of the sector.
According to him, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) are crucial to life; sanitation, safe water supply, management and hygiene will go a long way to promote health and prevent diseases.
The minster stressed that the launch of Lifestraw is an indication of the commitment of the partners and the present administration to address health priorities, reduce poverty and significantly improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
“Whatever partnership that Vestergard has with Kenya on the use of Lifestraw filters and WASH activities, Nigeria is one of the countries in Africa where this initiative should be expanded to”, he said. According to the minister, the launch of this initiative should not end at Lagos and Abuja, but should be scaled up to the public health endemic communities and schools in Nigeria.
“We will like to use this opportunity to reaffirm government support and willingness to partner with Environfocus Limited towards a roll out of this initiative in all states of the Federation.
“Am glad to learn that Environfocus is ready to partner with government and NGOS for the introduction of Lifestraw filters in schools and communities in Nigeria
He noted that although access to clean water and sanitation is a human right, yet globally about 663 million people still do not have access to clean and safe water, and one in every three persons do not have a decent toilet.
On her part the managing director of Environfocus Limited, Obie Agusiegbe said Lifestraw products provide access to safe drinking water from any source, anywhere and at anytime.