By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2024 (NAN) An NGO known as Centre for School Health Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH) has harped on the need to ensure that the hands are washed and kept clean on a regular basis, stressing that it remains an essential defense against the spread of harmful germs, infection and illnesses.
Dr. Mrs Momoh, the Executive Director of CSHEEH made the remarks on Thursday during a sensitization programme in commemoration of the 2024 Global HandWashing Day held at L.E.A. Primary School, Lugbe Zone B, on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s Global HandWashing Day is “Why are clean hands still important”
Dr. Momoh said that this year’s theme was quite apt, as it serves as a reminder that germs are everywhere and a lot of new germ-causing diseases are emerging.
“These emerging germ-causing diseases like COVID-19, Monkey Pox, in addition to the unhygienic practices of several individuals, like poor hand hygiene tend to pose a risk to the general populace.
“This is as such hablts promote transmission of germs from one individual to another.
“Thus, clean hands remain an essential defense against the spread of harmful germs, infection and illnesses whether in homes, schools, work, worship places or everyday interaction,” she said.
The CSHEEH boss noted that practicing hand washing wth soap contributes to better health outcomes and a safer world for everyone.
She posited that it was a known fact that clean hands save lives, noting that during the COVID-19 Pandemic, regular hand washing with soap and water became a norm in homes, schools, offices, worship centres and other public places.
She stressed that the prevention of infection and promotion of wellbeing through ensuring the daily washing of the hands was a collective responsibility.
“As the world shifts beyond these recent past occurrence (i.e. COVID-19 Pandemic, Cholera Outbreak) and as we commemorate this year’s Global Handwashing Day, we are asking a critical question – Why are clean hands still important?
“The answer to this very important question lies in our collective responslbility to prevent infection and promote wellbeing thereby safeguardling the health of the general public.
She said that the purpose of the enlightenment programme at the school was to provide the opportunity for the pupils to receive adequate information on hand hygiene, while also demonstrating to them practical ways to effectively wash their hands.
She pointed out that the importance of arming the pupils with all the information they need to know to maintain good hand hygiene for the overall welbeing of their body could not be overemphasised, adding that, maintaining good health as pupils was also essentlal for good academic performances.
“It is hoped that the knowledge you will gain from the health awareness programme wll empower you to go back to your homes and your communities to share the information you have received with your families and friends. So that together we can make hand hygiene a priority for our overall wellbeing.
“It is not just enough to teach you how to wash your hands, but we as an NGO and our collaborating partners believe in sustainability by ensuring that we improve access to regular water supply and hand washing products (i.e. soap) so that you are motivated to always wash your hands.
“Hence we have renovated the multiple water tap site within the school, installed handwashing sinks and repaired the broken overhead tank to serve as water reservoir.
“Also, considering that WASH comprises of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene -we have also reconstructed the school toilet to accommodate additlonal and befitting toilet facilities to serve the teeming school population.
“In addition, a compacted waste dumping site has also been constructed for proper waste management, while donation of waste baskets will be made to the school for distribution to all the classrooms to help improve waste management and disposal around the classrooms and the entire school premises.
“It is hoped that the School Management will ensure that all the renovated and newly installed Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Facilities are properly maintained,” she said.
Dr Momoh thanked the FCT, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) for giving the NGO approval to commemorate this year’s GHWD in the school.
She also appreciated the Head Teacher, the Asistant Head Teacher(admin) who she noted brought the school to the notice of the NGO for the purpose of the project.
“We also thank the staff and pupils of the LEA Primary School, Lugbe, Zone B for welcoming our team.
“And to all those who supported us in cash and kind to make this project a realty, we are indeed very grateful.
“Together, let’s continue to make hand hygiene a priority for the betterment of our health and wellbeing,” she said.
Malam Shehu Nasko, who representated the Chairman, FCT UBEB said praised the NGO for utilising its resources towards educating the pupils and improving the facilities in the school.
Hajia Hauwa Baba-Ahmad, the Head Teacher, Lugbe Zone B, expressed her gratitude to Dr Momoh, adding that the sensitization programme and the various projects carried out by the NGO would go a long way in educating the pupils and making life alot easier for them.
NAN also reports that in addition to the Health talk and practical handwashing exercises, the NGO also shared printed bookmarks with tips on hand washing to serve as a reminder always to the pupils.
The highlight of the event was the commissioning of the various projects carried out by the NGO, including the renovation of the multiple water tap site within the school, installation of handwashing sinks, reconstruction of the school toilets and construction of a compact waste dumping site.(NAN)
