The Capiz Provincial Health Office recently declared Cuartero a zero open defecation (ZOD) municipality.

Health Education and Promotion Officer Ayr Altavas affirmed the town’s 22 barangays were all cleared.

According to humanitarian organization World Vision, which supports the ZOD campaign, proper hygiene and sanitation practices will prevent the spread of disease.

“Open defecation is a serious threat to health causing diseases such as diarrhea and cholera,” World Vision Communication Officer Florence Joy Maluyo noted in an article. “Flies can feed on the feces which contain bacteria and pass it on to foods which may be eaten by someone.”

The Department of Health hopes to encourage a ZOD country./WDJ