FG urges collective action for sustainable handwashing
The federal government on Tuesday reiterated the importance of collective action in maintaining regular handwashing habits to prevent the spread of diseases.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, made this call at a media briefing ahead of the 2024 Global Handwashing Day in Abuja.
He explained that the 2024 event is themed, “Why are clean hands still important?”
The minister said that handwashing with soap remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid fever, and pneumonia.
“It is considered an affordable, accessible “do-it-yourself” vaccine for sanitation and hygiene-related diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid fever and pneumonia, which are prevalent in our communities,” said Mr Utsev.
Mr Utsev noted that awareness of proper hand hygiene has grown, particularly following public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and continued efforts were needed to promote handwashing beyond emergencies.
“While knowledge of handwashing practices in Nigeria is high at 99 per cent according to the 2021 WASH NORM Report, access to the necessary facilities remains low,” he said.
The minister also emphasised the role of handwashing in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.2, which aims to provide universal access to hygiene services.
Mr Utsev acknowledged the efforts of partners such as Reckitt, Action Against Hunger, WaterAid, UNICEF, and Sightsavers in promoting hygiene at the national level.
He urged the media to play a key role in spreading awareness, stating, “Your work can amplify hygiene messages, motivate action from governments and businesses, and inspire individuals to take responsibility.”
Global Handwashing Day, observed annually on October 15, is a United Nations-designated day to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap.
It seeks to catalyse local, national, and global actions to foster a culture of handwashing, an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Gov Bago inaugurates school projects in Niger
Mr Bago described the intervention as critical, saying it complemented his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.
States
Ekiti govt hails traditional rulers over improved security
Ms Afuye assured traditional rulers that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration would continue to treat them with respect.
NationWide
World Population Day: UNFPA urges investments in young people’s choices, future
Ms Keita said fragile labour markets, widening inequalities, and prolonged conflicts had left many young people uncertain about achieving their aspirations.
Anti-Corruption
ICPC to arraign Enugu PDP governorship candidate Uche Nnaji over forged credentials
Mr Nnaji was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on July 1.
Health
College of physicians demands sustainable funding, tech-driven training for health system
The college also directed consistent referral and feedback loops between facilities.
Sport
Why Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is trending
Videos and photographs shared online showed Okoye and the Grammy-winning artiste at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show in Paris.
