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)
