Writing By Ali Muhammad Rabiu; Editing By Godwin Duru
Stakeholders in education and health sectors in Kwara state have emphasized hand washing as a key component in ensuring hygiene and prevention of illnesses in public schools and communities.
Addressing a stakeholders engagement on Hygiene Quest programme among public school students in Ilorin, the Chief Programme Manager of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Kehinde Akinsola, said that hand hygiene is a vital step toward healthy living.
Akinsola hinted that a total of 26,550 students were reached in first and second quarters of the year to promote proper hygiene practices within the targeted schools in Asa, Ilorin East and Ilorin South local government areas of the state.
He also said that 13,082 mothers (pregnant and lactating mothers of under-5 children) were educated during antenatal and post natal classes, adding that 2,779 community members were visited in 31 communities of the state in the efforts at promoting hygiene among local population.
Akinsola said that good hygiene reduces medical expenses, keeps children in school, and improves their academic performance, ultimately securing a better future for them.
On her part, the Executive Director and Country Director of Operations for the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Dr. Adebukola Shittu, described the programme as a mission-driven initiative that places the wellbeing of children and families at its core.
Dr. Shittu noted that through the initiative, schools were reached, educators engaged, and young learners empowered with knowledge and practical skills to serve them for a lifetime.
In a remark , the UNESCO Desk Officer in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Taye Odedeji, rated impact of the programme high in school hygiene and healthy living.
Odedeji advised parents, school based management committees and communities to be involved more especially in areas of feedback on the activities already executed.
COV/ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
