FCT residents have been advised to embrace hand-washing practices as a way of preventing diseases and promoting public health.
The Mandate Secretary of Health Service and Environment Secretariat of the FCT Administration Dr Adedolapo Fasewe while flagging off the 2024 Global hand-washing day in the FCT gave this advice.
Fasawe who was represented at the occasion by the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board Dr Ruqqaya Wamako said that hand washing practise should be a way of life for all. She added that some of the diseases ravaging humanity is as a result lack of proper hygiene and sanitation. With proper handwashing, Fasawe informed that respiratory and intestinal diseases could be reduced by 25-50%
The Secretary further said that the need for proper hand washing in the FCT has come to the fore now considering the fact that some cases of cholera have been reported in the Territory.
Also speaking at the occasion, country Director for Water Aid Nigeria, a non-Governmental Organisation Evelyn Mere called on governments to prioritise hand hygiene in National response and resilience plans and conduct an appraisal of hand hygiene roadmap launched in September 2022.
Mere called on businesses to invest hand hygiene facilities and promote hand-washing practices among employees.
Global handwashing day is marked on the 15 October yearly to raise awareness about the role handwashing plays in preventing diseases and saving lives. It also highlights the importance of hand washing with soap and water especially at key times like after using the toilet, before cooking and eating and after coughing and sneezing.
‘WHY ARE CLEAN HANDS STILL IMPORTANT’.?
This theme of this year’s celebration which was held Dutse Makaranta Primary Health Care Centre in Bwari Area council is ‘WHY ARE CLEAN HANDS STILL IMPORTANT’.?
Highlight of the day was hand-washing competition among women, Health Talk and presentation of prizes.
