By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the National Task Group on Sanitation, in collaboration with Development Partners, on Tuesday commemorated Global Handwashing Day 2024 with a strong call to intensify advocacy for improved hand hygiene practices across Nigeria.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, reiterated the significance of hand hygiene in combating disease and its crucial role in promoting public health.
Speaking at the event held in Abuja, themed;“Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?, the Minister underscored the ongoing importance of hand hygiene in preventing infections and safeguarding communities.
Prof. Utsev emphasized that Global Handwashing Day is a key global initiative to raise awareness about the critical role of hand hygiene in disease prevention.
He called attention to the timeliness of the theme, urging for behavioral change and community-driven efforts to make handwashing with soap a routine practice.
The Minister also highlighted the “Nigeria Hand Hygiene for All” roadmap, launched in 2022, as a valuable tool for advancing hygiene practices nationwide. He stressed that the government continues to prioritize Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives aimed at improving public health. He further called for increased investment in hygiene infrastructure in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and public spaces, urging stakeholders to collaborate to promote enhanced hand hygiene practices.
Additionally, the Minister emphasized the importance of making hygiene facilities accessible to all, particularly for persons with disabilities and underserved communities. “This initiative aims to foster a culture of hygiene and significantly improve public health across the country,” he stated.
In a goodwill message, the Minister Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, represented by Mrs. Danlami Hasana, emphasized the fundamental role of handwashing in safeguarding public health, particularly in schools and communities.
He encouraged individuals to adopt regular handwashing as part of their daily routines, stressing its crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation commended the efforts of the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) in promoting handwashing with soap across communities.
He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment, under visionary leadership, to ensuring the widespread adoption of proper hand hygiene practices.
Dr. Jane Bevan, UNICEF’s Chief of WASH, also highlighted the need for making handwashing a universal social norm.
She called on individuals to not only practice hand hygiene but to advocate for it within their communities, emphasizing the need for accountability in maintaining proper hygiene standards.
The event featured goodwill messages from Development Partners, including WHO, Reckitt, Sightsavers, WaterAid, and the Representative of the WASH Ambassador.
Key highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to winners of the Secondary School Competition and a symbolic handwashing ceremony led by top government officials.
