FG rallies collective action on handwashing campaign

The Federal Government of Nigeria has made a clarion call for collective action to sustain the success of the handwashing campaign.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev, who made the call on Tuesday described handwashing with soap as a “do-it-yourself vaccine” for preventing sanitation-related diseases.

Highlighting the upcoming October 15th Global Handwashing Day, themed, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important,” the Minister emphasised that proper hand hygiene remains crucial for public health, particularly in preventing outbreaks and combating future pandemics.

He urged Nigerians to embrace handwashing as a daily habit and integral part of their health practices.

In line with this, the Ministry, in collaboration with the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS), launched a robust media sensitization campaign to raise awareness across the country, with activities including hand washing demonstrations at Garki Old Market and a nationwide road walk.

According to him, the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal six and is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve national health and well-being.

With children as a primary target, Utsev said the campaign aims to instil lifelong habits of hygiene, safeguarding the health of future generations.