As Nigeria prepares to observe Global Handwashing Day on October 15, 2024, the federal government has again emphasised collective action’s critical role in maintaining proper handwashing habits. The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation led the initiative with the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) to elevate public awareness and integrate hand hygiene as a fundamental component of national health standards. The campaign aligns with the United Nations’ global mission to reduce the spread of diseases through handwashing with soap, an accessible and cost-effective solution.
During a recent press conference in Abuja, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasised the government’s dedication to advocating hand cleanliness as an essential Public Health practice. Utsev explained that this year’s Global Handwashing Day theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?” is a timely reminder to prioritise hand hygiene despite no immediate health threats. The government’s promotion of effective hand cleanliness techniques seeks to address existing health issues and prevent potential outbreaks of disease in the future.
Effective hand hygiene may reduce disease-related deaths by 50%.
Utsav emphasised that using soap to wash hands is among the most efficient and cost-effective ways to avert prevalent illnesses like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and pneumonia. He referred to it as a “self-service” approach that can lower community health hazards. The minister noted that proper hand cleanliness could decrease fatalities from diarrhea-related diseases by almost 50% and reduce deaths from acute respiratory infections by 25%. He noted that consistent hand hygiene benefits personal health enhances the entire community’s well-being, and supports the nation’s public health objectives.
Although the 2021 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASH NORM) Report indicated that 99 percent of individuals recognise the significance of hand hygiene, Utsev pointed out that essential facilities are still lacking. In response, the government intends to address this deficiency by improving Infrastructure and increasing access to stations supplied with soap and clean water for more people. The minister urged different parties to participate in these initiatives, emphasising the crucial role of hand hygiene in meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.2, which aims to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient and fair sanitation and hygiene.
Various global and local organisations were acknowledged for their support.
He also recognised the support from partners, including UNICEF, WaterAid, Reckitt, Action Against Hunger, and Sightsavers, in advancing national hygiene programs. He expressed optimism that these partnerships will continue to grow, ensuring that hygiene initiatives will spread to all areas of the nation. Engr. Utsev emphasised that the upcoming activities would be more than just symbolic gestures; they are meant to ignite long-term behavioural change. He urged the media to amplify these messages, highlighting their power to mobilise action from governments, businesses, and communities. He stressed that the media’s involvement is crucial in encouraging individuals to adopt regular hand hygiene practices, thus promoting a cleanliness and health Culture beyond emergencies.
Building on the minister’s statement, the Honorable Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., highlighted how Global Handwashing Day resonates with the country’s dedicated efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 6, which advocates for effective hygiene and sanitation methods. Goronyo acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s backing in advancing these initiatives under his Renewed Hope Agenda. He praised the involvement of stakeholders, development partners, and the media for their contributions to advancing the campaign.
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On her part, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, who leads the ministry’s Water Quality Control and Sanitation division, emphasised how vital cooperation is to fulfilling the objectives of this year’s handwashing initiative. She pointed out the necessity of instilling behavioural changes, particularly in children, to build enduring practices that enhance individual and community health outcomes. Ugoh noted that the session allowed stakeholders, such as government representatives, nonprofit organisations, and the press, to unite. The events will promote awareness and encourage community involvement. Planned activities comprise a public awareness march and handwashing demonstrations at the Garki Ultramodern Market in Abuja. These initiatives aim to inform the public about the importance of regular and effective handwashing as an essential measure in preventing diseases.