Global Handwashing Day: Utsev calls for collective action on hygiene
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for renewed national commitment to hand hygiene as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 2025 Global Handwashing Day.
Utsev made the call on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing to outline activities for the celebration, held annually on Oct. 15.
He said the event promotes handwashing with soap as one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent diseases and save lives.
The minister said handwashing remains vital for hygiene, sanitation, and public health, adding that it reduces deaths from diarrhoea by nearly half and from respiratory infections by about 25 per cent.
He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, handwashing served as a frontline defence that helped reduce infection and mortality rates.
Utsev stressed the need for collective action to expand access to hygiene services in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2, which calls for handwashing facilities with soap and water in every home and public place.
He expressed concern that in spite high awareness levels, many Nigerians still fail to practice proper hand hygiene, especially after defecation or before handling food.
He said the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS) had lined up activities to mark the 2025 commemoration, including a month-long media sensitisation campaign, and awareness drives in markets, primary healthcare centres, parks, and communities.
Utsev commended development partners including Reckitt, Action Against Hunger, WaterAid, the European Union, UNICEF, Self Help Africa, and Sightsavers for supporting national hygiene campaigns.
He said reports from national and state-level activities would be harmonised and shared with the Global Handwashing Partnership.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the 2025 theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero,” by committing to proper handwashing with soap under running water.
According to him, every individual can help save lives and build resilient communities through simple daily hygiene practices.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, urged Nigerians to take collective responsibility for promoting handwashing as an essential practice for public health and national development.
Pheelangwah was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu.
He said the NTGS continues to lead national advocacy on hand hygiene and commended the media for their role in encouraging positive hygiene behaviour.
Also, the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by a senior ministry official, Mr Aghogho Gbetsere, urged Nigerians to make handwashing a daily routine to prevent diseases and improve public health.
He said regular handwashing can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by up to 50 per cent and respiratory infections by about 25 per cent.
Lawal reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, through the Ministries of Environment and Water Resources and Sanitation, to expand access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities nationwide.
He called on governments, civil society, and the media to intensify awareness campaigns, noting that simple daily actions like handwashing with soap can build a healthier and more resilient nation.
By Tosin Kolade
