By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
As part of activities marking the 2026 Day of the African Child, the Women Aid Collective (WACOL), a non-governmental organisation, has called for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to safeguard the welfare and well-being of every African child.
The organisation also expressed concern over the growing rate of child neglect, exploitation and abuse across the continent.
In a statement to commemorate the event, the Founding Executive Director of WACOL and Tamar Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Tamar SARC), as well as Convener of the West and Central African Women’s Rights Coalition (WAWORC), Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, called for urgent action to protect children’s rights to safe water, sanitation, education and protection from abuse.
She stressed that no child should be denied dignity, education or safety because of a lack of clean water, safe sanitation, parental care or protection.
“No child should be denied dignity, education or safety because of lack of clean water, safe sanitation, parental neglect or abuse. Protecting children must move from promises to practical action in our schools, homes, communities and public institutions,” Ezeilo said.
She noted that WACOL joined the rest of Africa and the global community in commemorating the Day of the African Child, describing it as an important occasion for reflection, accountability and renewed commitment to the rights, welfare, protection and development of children across the continent.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Africa,” adopted by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), Ezeilo said the focus underscores an urgent continental priority.
According to her, every child must have reliable access to safe water, dignified sanitation and basic hygiene services, adding that the theme aligns with the African Union’s 2026 focus on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems as foundations for health, dignity, education, resilience and inclusive development.
Highlighting WACOL’s school sensitisation activities in Enugu State, she said the organisation conducted awareness campaigns in three schools representing the three senatorial zones of the state — Opi High School, Community Secondary School, Imezi Owa, and New Haven Secondary School.
She said the engagements brought together teachers and students to raise awareness on children’s rights, personal hygiene, child protection, safeguarding and reporting channels.
“Our observations during these visits reaffirmed that many schools, especially in rural communities, continue to operate with inadequate sanitary facilities,” she stated.
