Public health experts have warned that infrastructure deficits and economic constraints, not ignorance, are undermining hand hygiene compliance in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), raising concerns over Ebola preparedness and other infectious disease outbreaks.

They disclosed this in separate interviews on Thursday in Abuja, emphasising that systemic barriers continue to hinder effective hygiene practices despite widespread awareness among residents.

The concern comes amid renewed vigilance across Africa following recent Ebola outbreaks, with experts stressing that effective prevention depends largely on consistent hand hygiene practices.

Contrary to widespread assumptions, multiple studies show that awareness of hand hygiene is high among Nigerians, including residents of the FCT.

A localised study titled, “A Survey of Hand Washing Behaviour and Awareness among Health Care Workers in Kubwa District, Bwari Area Council, FCT Abuja, Nigeria,” published on ResearchGate, found strong knowledge of infection prevention among healthcare workers.

However, compliance remained low due to inconsistent access to essential materials such as soap and running water.

Similarly, a 2025 study, “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hand Hygiene among On-Campus Undergraduate Students at a Nigerian University,” published in medRxiv, identified a clear intention–behaviour gap.

Respondents demonstrated high theoretical knowledge but poor routine practice, largely due to environmental limitations.

National-level insights from the “Nigeria Roadmap to Hand Hygiene for All,” developed in collaboration with UNICEF, further highlight gaps in access to handwashing facilities across households and institutions, including those in the FCT.

In addition, the study “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Towards Hand Hygiene Among In-School Adolescents in a Metropolitan City in Nigeria” shows that even among younger populations exposed to hygiene education, practice remains inconsistent where infrastructure is lacking.

A public health expert based in the FCT, Dr Gabriel Adakole, said the findings point to a systemic issue.

“People understand the science of hygiene, but the enabling environment is missing. You cannot expect behaviour change where there is no water or soap,” he said.

According to Mr Adakole, many residents in satellite communities rely on manually fetched water, making it difficult to practice the recommended handwashing under running water.

He added that improvised methods, such as using shared containers, may increase the risk of contamination.

“Economic realities further complicate compliance, as households facing financial constraints are often forced to prioritise food over hygiene supplies like soap,” he said.

He also noted that environmental cues play a critical role in shaping behaviour.

The Executive Director of the Centre for Social Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH), Dr Folasade Olusola-Momoh, said the absence of visible handwashing stations in public spaces, such as markets, motor parks, and schools, reduces the likelihood of habitual handwashing, even among knowledgeable individuals.

She noted that sanitation reviews across the FCT showed disparities between the city centre and satellite towns.

“While areas such as Maitama and Asokoro benefit from structured sanitation systems, communities in Bwari and Kwali face persistent challenges, including poor waste management, open defecation, and limited access to clean water,” she said.

The Head of Programmes at the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Chika Nwankwo, warned that such gaps could heighten vulnerability to infectious disease outbreaks, including Ebola.

She explained that Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids but can be prevented through strict hygiene measures.

Mr Nwankwo emphasised that addressing the problem requires more than awareness campaigns.

She called for sustained investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, alongside policies that ensure access to affordable hygiene materials.

She also advocated scaling up community-led initiatives and strengthening enforcement of environmental health regulations.

According to her, bridging the gap between knowledge and practice is critical not only for Ebola preparedness but also for controlling endemic diseases such as cholera and Lassa fever.

Meanwhile, residents of Abuja and its environs have been urged to maintain proper hygiene to reduce the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. 

(NAN)