The Health Department is urging local government units to be proactive in exerting efforts to stop open defecation after polio cases in the country have been confirmed.
At least 3.5 million Filipinos do not have access to sanitary toilets, according to the Health Department.
“One of the reasons na tinitingnan natin kung bakit bumabalik ‘yung polio, hindi lang naman ‘yung low immunization rate, kundi kasama talaga ‘yung poor environmental sanitation,” Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said.
He adds that 700,000 toilets remain to be build in 2030.
“Kahit sabihin nating P1,000 ang cost ng isang toilet, ang P2 million, eh 2,000 lang ‘yun. Hindi talaga kakayanin ng DOH lang. Kailangan ito magiging concerted effort natin,” Domingo said.
The Health Department has confirmed polio cases in the country last week.
Polio is one disease that can cause paralysis and death in its most severe forms.