A Preliminary Community-based Assessment of Water Sources and Prevalence of Waterborne Diseases in Giri, FCT Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Waterborne diseases remain a major contributor to illness and death in many developing countries, largely due to limited access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. This community based investigation assessed household water sources and the prevalence of water-related diseases in Giri, Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria, with the aim of identifying associated public health risks. A cross-sectional study design was adopted, combining structured questionnaires administered to 50 randomly selected households with reviews of hospital records. Results showed that females constituted 76% of respondents, underscoring their primary role in domestic water management. Children under five years of age represented the most affected demographic group (46%), indicating increased vulnerability. Cholera and dysentery were the most commonly reported waterborne illnesses (30% each), while diarrhoea and typhoid fever accounted for 20% each. Overall, the findings reveal a strong link between the high burden of waterborne diseases in Giri and the consumption of unsafe water. The study therefore calls for immediate action by government and local authorities, including the provision of reliable potable water systems, improved healthcare services, and comprehensive sanitation and hygiene awareness programs to reduce the public health impact.