The Oyo State Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have renewed calls for the adoption of proper handwashing practices as a key measure to prevent the spread of diseases.
This advocacy was made at an event held in Okolo, Ibarapa-East Local Government, to mark the 2024 Global Handwashing Day, themed “Why are Clean Hands Still Important?”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (OYORUWASSA), Mr. Babalola Afobaje, stressed the life-saving importance of handwashing with soap, labeling it as an essential health practice.
According to Afobaje, consistent handwashing helps prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and pneumonia, which are prevalent in communities with poor hygiene practices.
“Handwashing is not just a routine; it is a health necessity that can save lives,” Afobaje said.
He noted that Oyo State has made significant progress in promoting hygiene through various initiatives, supported by UNICEF and other development partners, but emphasized that it is crucial to sustain these efforts beyond public health emergencies.
Afobaje also urged the media to play a pivotal role in spreading the handwashing message across all corners of Nigeria.
“Each of us has a role to play in making handwashing a universal practice,” he added, noting the importance of collective effort in achieving this goal.
UNICEF’s Water and Sanitation (WASH) Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, highlighted the importance of the campaign in Ibarapa-East, explaining that the local government was specifically chosen for this year’s celebration due to its strategic importance in promoting hygiene.
He emphasized that handwashing not only helps prevent disease outbreaks but also strengthens resilience against future pandemics and plays a critical role in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
Johnson further revealed that some parts of Ibarapa-East still lack access to proper toilet facilities, contributing to ongoing sanitation challenges.
However, he expressed optimism that with the support of RUWASSA and corporate partners like Sato Lixil, UNICEF aims to end open defecation in the area soon.
The Director of Community Mobilisation and Hygiene Education at OYORUWASSA, Mr. Adegoke Ayodele, called on parents, teachers, and community stakeholders to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that focus on water and sanitation.
He urged them to take concrete actions to ensure universal hand hygiene and to instill these practices in children as part of their daily lives.
“Parents and teachers must accelerate efforts to improve hygiene services in the state. Let us help the government amplify hygiene messages and inspire our children to take responsibility for their health and the health of others,” Ayodele said.
To drive home the importance of hand hygiene, the Director of Environmental Health Services, Ibarapa-East LGA, Mrs. Elizabeth Akintola, demonstrated proper handwashing techniques in the presence of school pupils and community members.
The event was attended by key figures including the Vice-chairman of Ibarapa-East Local Government, Hon. Olakunle Jacob, and traditional rulers, further underscoring the local government’s commitment to promoting better hygiene practices.
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