Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for collective action to promote handwashing culture throughout the nation, which is a crucial step towards enhancing public health.
During an event with the subject “Clean Hands are Within Our Reach” to honour Global Handwashing Day in 2023, the call was made. Utsev emphasised that access to hand hygiene facilities that are conveniently situated and simple to use is necessary for individuals to practice hand hygiene.
He pointed out that spending on hygiene-related items and infrastructure in households, hospitals, schools, and other public spaces needs to be accelerated. “These facilities should also be adapted for the use of people with disabilities to ensure accessibility; we should strive to eliminate existing disparities and inequalities in access as we promote effective hand washing through policy, programme, and advocacy at all levels,” Utsev stated.
Utsev expressed appreciation for the cooperation of several partners, including Reckitt, Action Against Hunger, WaterAid, the EU, UNICEF, and Sightsavers, in these projects. He vowed to push for long-lasting transformation in the domain of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).