The Lagos State Government on
Tuesday clamored for proper hygiene amongst the residents in order to reduce
possibility of ailment and outbreak of diseases across the state.
This was stated by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water
Resources, Mr Tunji Bello while addressing the media as part of activities
marking the 2019 Global Hand Washing Day with the theme: “Clean Hands for All”.
He said the theme for this year’s Global Hand Washing Day was very apt as it
gives verve to the long awaited drive to leave no one behind in the State
Government’s Sustainable Development Agenda on healthy living.
He added that germs are everywhere
and keeping the hands clean and washing them with soap and water frequently is
the best practice that can ward off any form of impurities.
According to Bello, Handwashing with soap is a simple, yet often neglected act
that could avert spreading of germs to those around us and ensure staying healthy.
Bello said variations in access to proper handwashing facilities and behavioral
change programs can put individuals at higher risk for diseases that impact
their health, education, and economic outcomes.
“According to UNICEF research, handwashing with soap has been cited as one of
the most cost-effective interventions to prevent diarrhoea, other related
diseases and deaths. It is one of, if not the easiest way of preventing the
spread of infections and diseases” he said.
The Environment Commissioner stressed that the present administration was at
the fore front of this initiative of promoting proper hygiene amongst the
citizenry and that is the reason it has thrown its weight to support the move
to achieve a cleaner, healthier and safer environment.
He further explained that the State Government participated in this year’s
crusade through a wholesome sensitisation campaign to achieve behavioral change
among the citizenry.
He said the Ministry has identified the children as a major stakeholder in the
campaign and has partnered with the six Educational Districts across the state
through the Ministry of Education to distribute fliers conveying information on
proper handwashing techniques to forestall the outbreak of preventable
diseases.
Bello urged all Lagosians to cultivate the habit of washing their hands mostly
before eating, after using the toilet, after cleaning up a child, after blowing
their nose, after touching garbage and animals amongst others.
He emphasized that at times, people might not engage in any activity with
their hands but still come in contact with harmful micro-organisms,
adding that everyone should encourage their children, wards, aged and peers to
wash their hands at all time.
“Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one
of the best way to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of
germs to others. Make handwashing a way of life every day”, he
advocates.
Signed
Kunle Adeshina
Director (Public Affairs)
October 15, 2019