THE IMPACT OF POOR SANITATION ON CHILDREN'S MORBIDITY RATE IN SUBURBAN AREA OF BAUCHI METROPOLIS

The study investigates the impact of poor sanitation on children's morbidity rate in suburban area of Bauchi metropolis. Three research objectives were formulated; to assess the sanitation method in sub-urban area in Bauchi Metropolis, to find out if the sanitation pattern of suburban area in Bauchi Metropolis is in alignment with good practice, and to find out how poor sanitation in sub-urban area influences children's mortality. The study adopted a quantitative method using survey research method. Health Believe Model was employed as theoretical guide. Subjects were drawn from the study area, using the simple random sampling technique where 380 respondents were selected. Simple percentage and frequency table was used in analyzing the quantitative data with the use of questionnaire. The study found that only a small proportion of households dispose of their waste through proper collection systems, while most rely on open dumping and informal disposal methods, revealed that safe disposal methods recommended by agencies are rarely adopted in the study area, and the study revealed that respondents overwhelmingly agreed that eco-friendly toilets and recycling initiatives would enhance sustainable sanitation. The study recommended that Public authorities and community leaders should prioritize the construction and maintenance of low-cost, safe, and hygienic public toilets in suburban areas, Local governments, in partnership with private waste management companies, should ensure regular and effective waste collection services, and Proper drainage infrastructure should be built and existing ones maintained to prevent flooding and water stagnation, which often create breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors. (248 words) Keywords: Poor Sanitation, Waste Management, Morbidity, Environmental Health.