Handwashing, most effective health intervention — Minister

The Minister of State for Environment Dr Ishaq Salako, says handwashing is the most cost-effective health intervention compared to immunisation and responding to disease outbreaks, among other measures.

The minister said this on Tuesday to commemorate the ‘2023 Global Hand Washing Day’ at the Federal Government Boys’ College, (FGBC) Wuye in Abuja.

Salako, who was represented by Mr Charles Ikeah, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, said that hand hygiene was regarded as one of the most important elements of infections’ control.

“Hands often act as agents that carry disease-causing pathogens from person to person, either through direct contact or indirectly via surfaces.

“Hence, hand hygiene alone can significantly reduce the risk of cross-transmission of infection in healthcare facilities.

“It may interest you to know that a simple act of washing hands with soap under running water can reduce infection by 50 per cent and respiratory disease by 25 per cent,” Salako said.

The minister said research had shown that creating awareness on proper handwashing helped communities to stay healthy by reducing the number of people who got sick with diarrhoea by 23-40 per cent.

He added, “Hand washing also reduces diarrhoea, boosts weakened immune systems by 58 per cent, reducing respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21 per cent.

“And also reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in school children by 29-57 per cent.

“Research has shown that handwashing helps in battling the rise of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

“Resistance to antibiotics is one of the greatest threats to global health, food security and development.

“Increasing numbers of serious infections are becoming more difficult to treat because of the loss of efficacy of antibiotics which are often misused and abused.”

Salako, therefore, said it was very important to reduce the number of infections by washing hands frequently.

The minister said that the day was an annual global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing with soap.

“It as an easy, effective and affordable way to prevent diseases, save lives and help meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 6.2.

“This year’s theme, “Clean hands are within reach” calls for strong leadership and collective efforts to close the gaps in essence and practice to achieve hand hygiene for all.

“However, many people tend to wash their hands with only water, which has proven ineffective in removing germs.

“The choice of the Federal Government Boys’ College Wuye as the venue of this year’s Global Handwashing Day commemoration is quite deliberate,” Salako said.

Mrs Hassana Mailafia a representative of the Federal Ministry of Education said that handwashing was a fundamental act of self-care and community well-being.

She added, “It is a simple yet powerful gesture that can save lives and prevent the spread of diseases.

“Similarly, handwasing is also the cornerstone of our collective efforts to safeguard public health and build resilient societies.

“As we celebrate this day, let us renew our commitment to promoting accessible, sustainable, and inclusive hand hygiene practices across all corners of our nation by instilling the habit of regular handwashing.

“Appropriate hand hygiene practice will protect us and ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

“May this global commemoration inspire all of us, communities, and all educational institutions to collaborate in spreading the awareness and creating environments conducive to proper hand hygiene.”

Dr Olayinka Umar-Farouk, Deputy Project Director, USAID funded Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, said that handwashing was the simple and effective way to prevent the spread of diseases.

“Handwashing is not just one of the most important things, but the simplest thing we can do to stay healthy.

“This year’s theme for Global Handwashing Day is “Clean hands are within reach.” This is no truer statement than this. Your hands belong to you and it is you that can take action.

“On this day, I urge everyone to commit to three things:

Washing their hands regularly. Sneezing into their bent elbow; teach someone else these behaviours.

“Together, we can make a difference and help create a healthier and safer world for all,” she urged.

Mr Magaji Zachariah, Principal of the college, commended the minister for his commitment for choosing it to launch the campaign.

He said, “The choice of FGBC Garki, Abuja Wuye Campus is an honour to us, and we do not take it for granted. Bringing this programme to us has indeed brought clean hand within Reach.”

The principal urged the students to always keep their hands clean by washing with water and soap after using the rest room.

Zachariah urged, “This also be done when preparing for food, after playing, before and after eating, after coughing, sneezing or blowing their noses.

“We can all protect our health and the health of others through proper hand washing. Together, we will fight off germs from our environment.

“I believe the students will gain a lot from the teaching and practical aspect of hand washing. We should all remember to clean our hands to saves lives.”