The United Nations, (UN) and other stakeholders have called for stronger commitment to handwashing and hygiene practices to prevent diseases and improve public health as Anambra State joined the global community to mark the 2026 Global Handwashing Day.
The call was made during the first-ever Global Handwashing Day celebration in the South-East, held in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The event attracted pupils of Irene Menakaya Nursery and Primary School, Onitsha; students of St. Theresa High School, Umunya; and members of the Umunya Youths Sustainable Network Handwashing Club.
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Participants embarked on a roadshow through parts of the town, including the popular Afor Market, to sensitise residents on the importance of handwashing, proper sanitation and personal hygiene in preventing diseases.
Speaking virtually, the Permanent Observer of the Pan African Inter-Governmental Agency on Water and Sanitation for Africa (WASPA) to the United Nations, Dr. Nabhit Kapur, expressed delight at the enthusiasm displayed by young people in the South-East.
Kapur said initiatives promoting water, sanitation and hygiene were essential to improving cleanliness and preventing the spread of diseases across Africa.
He lamented that poor sanitation continued to contribute to illness on the continent and urged African countries to prioritise regular handwashing.
Also speaking virtually, a diplomat, educationist and founder of the initiative, Professor Adaeze Menakaya commended the participating students, teachers and members of the handwashing club for their dedication.
Menakaya said their enthusiasm offered hope for improved hygiene and disease prevention in Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
She encouraged Nigerians to make handwashing a regular habit, describing those who consistently practise it as “handwashing heroes,” a key objective of the programme.
Earlier, in a lecture titled “Effective Handwashing,” the Health Education Officer of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Rose Amasiani, educated participants on the proper techniques for washing hands.
She explained that effective handwashing requires soap and running water, followed by drying the hands with a clean towel.
She also stressed the need to expand access to functional handwashing facilities equipped with soap and water.
Amasiani expressed concern over the lack of awareness about proper handwashing practices among Nigerians, emphasising the importance of public education and improved access to hygiene facilities.
The programme coordinator, Mr. Damian Egwuonwu, explained that Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on October 15 to promote handwashing with soap as one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent diseases and save lives.
In her remarks, a UNICEF Desk Officer with the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mrs Franca Madike urged residents to take handwashing seriously.
She noted that poor hygiene contributes to the spread of illnesses, including diarrhoea and typhoid fever.
The event highlighted the need for sustained public awareness, improved access to handwashing facilities and collective responsibility in promoting hygiene at homes, schools, markets and other public places.
