The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF in partnership with the USAID Breakthrough Action, says Nigeria is on the right path to achieving the Universal Hygiene Road map.
The Universal Hygiene Road Map is an inter-ministerial document indicating the directions in achieving the mile stones for hygiene for all.
They made the submission at the celebration of the 2022 hand washing Day held at the Federal Government Boys College Apo, Abuja.
The occasion which was put together by the USAID Breakthrough, UNICEF and the Ministry of Environment was to draw attention of school children, on the importance of hand hygiene to health and economy.
The UNICEF WASH manager, Mr Micheal Forson, urged Nigeria to familiarize the content of the road map and the strategies identified in achieving the universal hand hygiene for all.
The Programme Officer for Risk Communication of Breakthrough Action, Mr Nuhu Idris said that hand washing was a positive behavior that combats outbreak of diseases globally.
Similarly, the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Solid Waste, Abdullahi Bokani said basic hand hygiene was often neglected due to lack of access to hand washing facilities especially in public places.
He urged all to wash hands with soap under running water using steps that include scrubbing of hands and use of towels.
The Minister said addressing sanitation and hygiene challenges was a necessary and worthwhile investment for government at all levels to improve the health, education, social and economic status of the country.
RN