By Muhammad Sani Muazu
Bauchi State joined the world in commemorating Global Hand washing Day 2024, highlighting the crucial role of hand washing in disease prevention and public health. The event, organized by the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), was held at Chartwell Hotel, Bauchi, with key stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, and schoolchildren, in attendance.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Abdurrazak Nuhu Zaki, who was represented at the occasion by the permanent secretary of the ministry Engineer Sama’ila Tela emphasized the life-saving potential of hand washing with soap, describing it as “a simple yet powerful tool that can save lives and improve public health.” He praised the collaboration with UNICEF and WaterAid, which has been instrumental in promoting hygiene and sanitation in Bauchi communities.
“Hand washing with soap is not just a routine; it is a robust defense against countless diseases. Every year, millions of children worldwide fall ill due to preventable illnesses caused by poor hygiene practices,” the Commissioner stated. He further stressed that Bauchi State, like many others, continues to grapple with diseases that can be drastically reduced through proper hand washing techniques.
Hon. Zaki called on parents, teachers, community leaders, and health workers to become “champions of hand washing,” teaching children the importance of this life-saving habit. He noted that the challenges of access to clean water and soap must be tackled collectively to ensure a healthier future for all. The theme of this year’s Global Hand washing Day, “Why are Clean Hands Still Important?” was a reminder that everyone deserves access to clean hands and a healthy life.
The General Manager of RUWASSA Alhaji Adamu Sabo Dass, in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of hand washing, especially in schools, where children serve as agents of change. “Hand washing is the most effective and affordable means of disease prevention, particularly those transmitted through poor hygiene,” he remarked. He urged children and adults alike to adopt the habit of hand washing at critical moments, such as before eating and after using the toilet, to combat diseases that prevent children from attending schools
The event also featured a goodwill message from WaterAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Evelyn Mere, who reinforced the need for collective action to promote hand hygiene. She pointed out that despite increased awareness about hand washing, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a wide gap between knowledge and practice. “While 99% of Nigerians know about the importance of hand washing, only a small percentage practice it properly. This gap between awareness and action must be closed urgently,” she said.
We also called for a review of the National Hand Hygiene Roadmap, launched in 2022, noting that there is only one year left until the 2025 target for achieving universal access to hand hygiene. “WaterAid will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that hand hygiene is accessible to everyone, everywhere,” she added.
The Bauchi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, was commended for its commitment to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, with data showing that access to safe water in the state stands at 67%, while access to hygiene services is at 62%. These figures reflect the government’s prioritization of WASH service delivery to ensure a healthier population.
As the event drew to a close, the message of the day was clear: hand washing with soap is a critical, cost-effective measure that saves lives, and everyone has a role to play in making it a daily habit.
Schoolchildren in attendance were urged to be ambassadors of hand hygiene in their homes and communities, promoting the practice to help prevent the spread of diseases.
The 2024 Global Hand washing Day in Bauchi State was a resounding call to action, reminding all that clean hands are still essential to health and well-being.
With continued efforts from the government, development partners, and individuals, the dream of a healthier, disease-free Bauchi State can be achieved.
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