The Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has sensitised members of Dutse-Makaranta community in Bwari Area Council to proper hand washing and hygiene practices.

The agency gave the advice in partnership with WaterAid Nigeria, while commemorating the Global World Handwashing Day, celebrated annually on October 15.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Bwari Area Council, FCT Primary Health Care Board among others.

In his address, Acting Executive Director, RUWASSA, Luke Ulom, said that handwashing was necessary, especially with increasing cases of infectious diseases.

He said that the 2024 theme, ” Why are clean hands still important,” is to remind the world that in spite of all efforts, hand hygiene remains one of the most effective tools against illnesses.

He said, “Handwashing with soap is a life-saving habit that must be inculcated in us. It protects us from transmission of diseases such as diarrhoea and respiratory infections. Diseases such as cholera constitute serious health challenges, particularly in vulnerable communities, especially due to poor hygiene practices and so, handwashing can be a powerful defence.’’

Mr Ulom also said that handwashing was a simple yet crucial practice which must not be allowed to either fade away or be practised only during emergency pandemics such as COVID-19.

He said that the practice aided and curbed the spread of the virus, adding that as a vital tool, it was still important to observe.

He urged stakeholders, from parents to community leaders, organisations and all, to encourage and improve on the practice, by providing handwashing facilities in schools and public places, so that it gives a lasting impact.

In her remarks, Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, said that the commemoration of the event provided an opportunity to create more awareness on how essential hand washing was.

Mrs Mere, represented by the WASH Manager, WaterAid, Patience Emmanuel, said that the event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to advocate, and promote handwashing as an easy and affordable disease prevention strategy.

She said, “As a country, we have made some progress in promoting handwashing among citizens since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, according to WASHNORMS 2021, 99 per cent of heads of households have knowledge of, at least, two critical times for handwashing, only eight per cent could demonstrate proper handwashing. This wide disparity between knowledge and practice is a challenge we must work together to address. Also, the recent outbreak of cholera in several communities in the country is a reminder of how important handwashing with soap and water is, therefore, making this year’s theme very relevant.’’

She added that the answer to the 2024 Global Handwashing Day theme was in the collective responsibility of all to safeguard public health, and prevent spread of infections while promoting wellbeing.

Mrs Mere also advised relevant stakeholders on the need to appraise the status of the National Hand Hygiene Roadmap for possible review and costing since its launch in September 2022.

This, she said, was in order to meet its 2025 target, noting that WaterAid was already collaborating with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation to facilitate its implementation.

Nursing mothers, health workers, staff of various partner organisations, as well as residents of the area at the event were shown proper ways to wash their hands.

Global Handwashing Day is commemorated annually, to advocate handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

(NAN)