By Segun Adewale, Bauchi
A Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD),
has advised Nigerians to imbibe the culture of hand-washing with soap to prevent diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid fever, pneumonia and from acute respiratory infections, especially amongst children.
The Executive Director of J4PD, Elizabeth Kahh gave the advice yesterday while sensitising nursery and primary school pupils on the importance of regular hand washing to mark the 2025 International Hand Washing Day.
Addressing the pupils of Meenas Scholars’ Academy, Bauchi the Executive Director , said the theme for this year’s celebration is “Be a Hand Washing Hero,” aimed at promoting hygiene and reducing the spread of infectious diseases worldwide.
She explained that the United Nations has designated October 15 of every year for global advocacy to increase awareness on the importance of hand-washing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
According to her, “The day serves as a platform for an international hand-washing campaign to motivate and mobilize people globally to improve their hand-washing habits by focusing on washing hands at critical points.
“This is an acknowledgment of the importance of hand-washing as a tool for ensuring improved hygiene, sanitation, and health”.
Elizabeth Kahh however noted that the organisation targeted young school children due to their ability to easily absorb lessons, and urged them to spread the message of proper hygiene practices to their siblings and parents at home.
She stressed the importance of hand-washing as a tool for ensuring improved hygiene, sanitation, and health, emphasising that hand washing remains one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways of preventing diseases.
She pointed out that creating awareness among children would inculcate lifelong healthy habits and promote good hygiene practices.
Members of J4PD then demonstrated proper hand washing steps during the session, and three pupils replicated the process on stage, receiving excellent commendations from facilitators.
In a vote of thanks ,the Assistant Head Teacher of Meenas Scholars’ Academy, Mrs. Lawiza Abubakar, expressed gratitude to J4PD for selecting the school and educating pupils on hygiene and disease prevention.
She assured that the school would continue to promote hand washing culture among pupils as part of its daily routine.
