Chief Medical Director (CMD), University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, yesterday, tasked healthcare professionals on the importance of handwashing hygiene.

Obaseki expressed the hospital’s commitment to the provision of a safe working environment for all its employees, giving greater significance to health and safety at the workplace.

The CMD spoke during an event organised by the varsity to commemorate 2022 World Hand Hygiene Day with the theme, “Healthcare quality and safety climate or culture that values hand hygiene and infection prevention and control.”

Describing World Hand Hygiene Day as significant to healthcare workers, the CMD said: “Today is May 5, which the World Health Organisation has declared the day to sensitise everyone to the importance of handwashing hygiene.

“This is very vital in the health care system and facilities to prevent healthcare-associated infections.”
MEANWHILE, the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), yesterday, restated the need for proper management of waste in the country, saying efforts in that direction would assist to reduce unemployment and create jobs for unemployed youths.

Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Chima Williams, made the call in Benin during a one-day waste management programme organised by the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

He said the engagement of more personnel in the management of waste is capable of reducing crime and criminality in the country and called on the government and other stakeholders to key into zero waste management practice.

He listed the benefits of proper waste management to include reduction in crime and criminality, curbing youth unemployment as well as opportunities for job creation for the youths.