Makarios Initiative for Health and Humanitarian Development, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has commemorated the 2026 International Day of African Child (IDAC) with pupils drawn from schools across Lagos.

The Co-founder of the organisation, Mrs. Lauretta Patrick-Nwachi, said the celebration of the IDAC is the second edition they would be celebrating after holding same programme last year. She noted that the theme of this year is about ensuing universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child in Africa is very important. She however said that concerted efforts should be geared towards eradicating examination malpractices in schools, just as outstanding pupils and students in external examinations like common entrance and WAEC should be rewarded with mouthwatering ambassador roles by corporate organizations.

Also, the Co-Founder of NGO, Dr Patrick Nwachi, Ystated that this year’s theme of the IDAC is very important because a lot of the country’s health indices are lowered, which are traceable to poor hygiene. “So when you talk about hygiene for children, access to good water is critical. And when children have good water, they can be healthy for their education,so it is so important.”

Nwachi, therefore, tasked those in government to muscle the political to ensure access to clean potable water for all.

One of the speakers, Medical Director of Rhemahad Eye Clinic, Dr Nkechi Ugboh, an Optometrist, spoke on the importance of access to clean water and eye care, revealing that trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness is eliminated by access to clean water and proper hygiene.

“Without access to clean water, you won’t have a good hand wash. And through the hands, diseases spread to the eyes. And contamination of water can also increase, not just to the eyes, but generally to the child,” Ugboh stated. There were also talks on the dangers of exam malpractices and drug abuse.