The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, on Monday, called on the private sector and other stakeholders to do more to encourage handwashing practice in all public places in the country.
He made this call at an event to commemorate the 2022 Global Handwashing Day with the theme, `Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene’ in Abuja.
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City & Crime reports that October 15 is celebrated as Global Handwashing Day, to increase awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing, as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
Adamu, represented by Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, the Deputy Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, said handwashing was the first line of defense against diseases, saying there was need for contingency plans to forestall possible outbreaks.
He noted that these facilities should be adapted for the most vulnerable persons, like those living with disabilities, saying this would promote inclusive development.
Adamu said behavioural change required that the action is performed consistently at key times, saying strategies that would ensure the sustainability of these practices should be engaged.
Mr Job Ominyi, UNICEF Representative, said the theme for the day had shown partners’ coordination through the inauguration of the Hand Hygiene for All Roadmap.
He said all stakeholders must urgently play their commensurate roles to make universal access to hand hygiene a reality.
Mr Emmanuel Iorkunbur, WaterAid Nigeria Representative, said there was need for the private sector to make hygiene materials available, affordable and
Dr Nicholas Igwe, National Coordinator, Organised Private sector in WASH, said cholera outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic had raised the importance of handwashing as an effective way of disease prevention and control.
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