FG Urges Nigerians to Practice Hand Washing with Soap

FG Urges Nigerians to Practice Hand Washing with Soap

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu FNSE has urged for the need to sustain the efforts to end Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, soil transmitted helminthes and schistodomiasis. Engr Adamu made the call, on Tuesday 9th October, 2018 in Abuja while addressing the Press in commemoration of 2018 Global Hand washing Day with the theme ‘Clean Hands – A Recipe for Health’.

In his keynote address, Engr. Adamu noted that hand washing with soap is estimated to cut deaths from diarrhea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by a quarter.

He observed that 2018 Global Hand washing Day marks the tenth anniversary of the celebration and it focuses on the links between hand washing and food, including hygiene and nutrition. He said that “it reminds us that hand washing with soap is a vital part of cooking, eating and feeding others”.

The Hon. Minister therefore reiterated the fact that “this day is expected to catalyse local, national and global actions and build the culture of hand washing with soap”.

The global hand washing day has been celebrated on October 15th every year since 2008 when it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. It is a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding the importance of hand washing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases.

Earlier in his presentation, the Deputy Director, Sanitation, Engr. Emmanuel Eze highlighted the objectives of hand washing which includes: hand washing with soap at critical times, engaging children as agents of behavioral change and sensitizing policy makers on the cost effectiveness.

The representative of United Purpose, Mr. Lex Merlijn expressed his pleasure especially as children are to be used as agents of change to mark this year’s Global Hand washing commemoration.

Other activities lined up for the 2018 Global Hand washing Day commemoration are as follows: sensitization visit to eight IDP camps in Abuja on 13th October, 2018, symbolic hand washing to take place at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja at 10:00am on 15th October, 2018, and sensitization meetings on Sanitation and Hygiene with Heads of market and Abattoirs on 16th and 17th October, 2018.