By Stella Odueme
As Global Handwashing Day approaches, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS), has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting hand hygiene as a key aspect of public health in Nigeria and ensuring the success of this United Nations campaign.
This ongoing advocacy highlights the crucial role of proper handwashing in preventing diseases and safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians.
Speaking at a press briefing ON Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev , emphasized government’s dedication to promoting handwashing with soap as a critical element of public health and well-being.
He described handwashing with soap as an affordable and accessible “do-it-yourself” vaccine for preventing sanitation and hygiene-related diseases.
Prof. Ustev further noted that proper hand hygiene is essential in defending against disease outbreaks and plays a significant role in mitigating the impact of future pandemics.
While highlighting the significance of the 2024 Global Handwashing Day theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important”, Prof. Utsev stated that it is to serve as a vital reminder of the ongoing need to prioritize and enhance hand hygiene practices, even in the absence of health emergencies or outbreaks.
He reiterated that the theme reinforces the importance of cultivating a culture of cleanliness and health, encouraging individuals and communities to recognize proper handwashing as a simple yet powerful tool in preventing illness and promoting overall well-being. He called for integrating hand hygiene into daily routines and recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of health and disease prevention.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry, alongside the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS), which serves as the coordinating body for Sanitation and Hygiene Initiatives at the National level, has developed an extensive media sensitization campaign ahead of the Global Handwashing Day celebration on October 15, 2024.
In his vote of thanks, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., emphasized that Global Handwashing Day aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which promotes awareness of proper handwashing and hygiene practices.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his steadfast support of the Ministry’s initiatives and acknowledged the contributions of the Minister, Water and Sanitation Stakeholders and the media in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized in her welcome address that the briefing’s objective was to bring together government officials, stakeholders, development partners, civil society, and the media to highlight the importance of hand hygiene for global health. She noted that the campaign aims to promote behavioral change, especially among children, by encouraging regular handwashing as a key aspect of personal and public health.
Key highlights of the event included handwashing activities at Garki Old Market, a Road Walk, and a Press Briefing.
