Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Hand Hygiene Ahead of Global Handwashing Day 2024

As Global Handwashing Day approaches, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in collaboration with the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS), has reiterated its dedication to promoting proper hand hygiene as an essential pillar of public health.

This announcement was made during a press briefing held on October 8, 2024, in Abuja, with the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev, leading the discourse on the significance of handwashing in preventing diseases.

Speaking to attendees, which included government officials, development partners, and members of civil society, Prof. Utsev described handwashing with soap as an easily accessible and highly effective “do-it-yourself” vaccine against sanitation and hygiene-related illnesses.

He emphasized that, while handwashing may seem simple, its consistent practice can prevent diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and other infections that plague communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

The Honourable Minister highlighted the 2024 Global Handwashing Day theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important,” which underscores the ongoing need to prioritize and promote hand hygiene practices in Nigeria, even when there is no immediate health emergency.

He noted that clean hands serve as the first line of defence against disease outbreaks and could mitigate the impact of future pandemics, making proper handwashing a vital preventive tool.

“Handwashing with soap is not only an effective, low-cost method to improve health, but it is also a critical habit we must instil in our communities,” Prof. Utsev said.

“It is time we embed handwashing as a daily practice in every household, school, and workplace, ensuring that individuals understand the power of clean hands in preventing illness,” he added.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the Global Handwashing Day celebration on October 15, 2024, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in partnership with the NTGS, has launched a wide-reaching media campaign aimed at sensitizing the public about the importance of regular handwashing.

The initiative will focus on raising awareness at the national level, particularly among children and vulnerable communities, who often face the brunt of poor hygiene and sanitation practices.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation at the Ministry, explained in her welcome address that this year’s campaign is intended to promote behavioural change among Nigerians, encouraging them to incorporate handwashing into their daily routines as a fundamental aspect of health and wellness.

She added that the message is especially important for children, who are at higher risk of contracting hygiene-related diseases in unsanitary environments.

In his vote of thanks, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to advancing the goals of Global Handwashing Day and promoting hand hygiene as part of the government’s broader public health agenda.

He recognized that the efforts are in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which emphasizes ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Goronyo also expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support of the Ministry’s initiatives and praised the efforts of stakeholders, including water and sanitation agencies, development partners, and the media, for their role in promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving the health and well-being of all Nigerians.