Global Hand washing Day is a global healthcare event celebrated on the 15th of October every year to create awareness and understanding about the need for hand washing with soap as a simple, effective, and affordable way to avoid diseases.
On this day, various local, national, and international organisations join together and conduct several awareness campaigns (for the local public), workshops, educational programs and demonstrations to create awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap and water.
In a spirited celebration of this year’s edition of the event, Udenu — Mayor Akachukwu Eze Akachukwu led a community engagement initiative aimed at promoting hygiene and sanitation practices among the everyday people of the Local Government Area especially the Youths. The event was organized by Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program officers and took place in the Local Government Secretariat’s Multipurpose Hall.
The demonstration exercise featured Udenu Local Government Chairman, who, alongside his Deputy — Hon. Onyinye Odoh, showcased proper hand washing techniques to an enthusiastic audience comprising school children, members of the WASH program team, and other residents of Udenu.
During the session, Hon. Odoh emphasized the critical importance of maintaining proper hygiene and sanitary conditions as a defense against diseases. _“Healthy habits begin with us. It is essential for everyone, especially our children, to be conscious of their hygiene practices._ _Regular hand washing with soap can significantly reduce the spread of preventable diseases,”_ she stated.
Akachukwu in his speech reinforced the significance of the event, urging residents to align with the Enugu State Government’s WASH policies and the vision of Governor Peter Mbah for a healthier and safer Enugu State. _“WASH is not just a policy; it is a commitment towards ensuring a sustainable and clean environment for future generations._ _I urge the people of Udenu to take these hygiene practices seriously,”_ he said.
The event attracted considerable attention, serving as a platform for education and awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation in everyday life. Participants were given firsthand experience with the hand washing techniques, reinforcing the skills necessary to maintain personal hygiene. The theme for this year’s celebration is: _“Why are clean hands still important?”_
With continued efforts like this, the Udenu Local Government hopes to foster a culture of health and cleanliness within the community, contributing to the broader objectives of the Enugu State WASH initiative.
Handwashing with soap and water is easy and inexpensive, and it can help to minimise the incidence of sickness in young children.
According to research, community handwashing education can provide the following benefits:
— Reducing around 23%–40% in the number of patients who become ill with diarrhoea.
— Reducing 29%,— 57% in the number of missed school days by children due to gastrointestinal illness.
— Reducing 58% of diarrheal sickness in patients with compromised immune systems.
— Reducing around 16%—21% of respiratory infections such as colds in the general population.
The primary causes of death in children under the age of five are pneumonia and diarrhoea, so Global Handwashing Day is a platform to design and implement unique strategies to urge people to wash their hands with soap, especially during necessary times.
Present at the occasion in company of the Mayor and his Deputy are Councilor representing Obollo Afor and Leader of the Legislative Assembly — Dr. Nnamdi Odoh, Udenu PDP Chairman, Hon. Meletus Onah, and Dr. Jude Okwudili — the Chief of staff to the Local Government Chairman.
As the celebration concluded, citizens left with a renewed commitment to uphold hygiene standards and play their part in promoting a safer, healthier community for all.
