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
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
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
JONAPWD Convention: INEC pledges support for inclusive elections
Mr Amupitan said electoral inclusion was a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
Heading 3
Tinubu receives proposed $14 billion UN budget
Mr Ibrahim described the presentation as historic.
States
2027: Bauchi NDC governorship candidate dumps party
The politician noted that his decision followed careful reflection.
States
Mother drags ex-husband to court over access to children
The judge ruled that the defendant should take the children to visit and spend time with their mother.
States
UNICEF, UNHCR urge Benue govt to strengthen GBV response mechanisms
Mr Atuchukwu urged stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the process to ensure that the final documents reflect their respective mandates.
Heading 2
NMA raises alarm over doctors’ burnout, premature deaths
Mr Omoti urged doctors to undergo regular medical checks and maintain healthy lifestyles.
