Anambra State First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called on Nigerians to strengthen hand hygiene practices to curb preventable infections, protect children and improve public health nationwide.
Soludo made the call in a statement issued through her media aide, Daniel Ezeigwe, on Thursday, October 15, to mark the 2026 Global Handwashing Day, highlighting the importance of regular handwashing with soap and clean water in reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
She said proper hand hygiene was particularly important in preventing diarrhoeal diseases, which pose significant health risks to children, stressing that consistent handwashing could help reduce avoidable illnesses in households, schools and communities.
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“Some of the most powerful acts of protection begin with the simplest habits. A little soap, clean water, and a few seconds of care can make the difference between sickness and good health,” she said.
The First Lady, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, urged parents, teachers and community leaders to teach children proper handwashing from an early age and ensure they wash their hands before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet and after handling waste.
She also called for improved access to clean water, soap and functional handwashing facilities in schools, healthcare centres, markets and other public places, noting that public awareness campaigns must be supported by adequate water supply and sanitation infrastructure.
Soludo stressed that promoting proper hand hygiene required collective action by families, schools, communities and relevant authorities, particularly in underserved areas where inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities could hinder the adoption of healthy practices.
She urged parents and caregivers to make handwashing part of children’s daily routines, describing early hygiene education as an important step towards preventing infections and building healthier communities.
