First Lady flags off hand washing campaign
By
May 20, 2008, 19:30

Commitment to wash the hands at critical moments can mark an end to many diseases like diarrhoea, which health experts say is the second leading cause of death amongst Nigerian children after malaria while it is also said to be a key strategy for controlling the spread of Avian Influenza.

This development led the Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban
Development in collaboration with UNICEF and other stakeholders to champion a Hand washing Campaign in Abuja.

The Hand-washing Campaign is one of three targets outlined in Nigeria’s Action
Plan to commemorate 2008 the International Year of Sanitation (IYS). The two other targets are: creating enabling environments to expand sanitation and hygiene in a sustainable way and construction of one million latrines throughout the country.

At the flag-off of the campaign the First Lady, Mrs. Turai Umar Yar’adua said access to sanitation is a fundamental human right that safeguards public health and human dignity.

Mrs Turai, who is the current Ambassador on Safe Water and Sanitation, expressed determination to contribute her quota in ensuring provision of safe water and clean environment in the country.

The Minister of Environment, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Halima Tayo Alao said the campaign is expected to be launched in the six geo-political zones of the country for greater impact.

The Minister maintained that the campaign is a global initiative aimed at improving general hygiene which many nations have launched.

UNICEF country representative, Dr. Robert Limlim said about 150,000 Nigerian children die of diarrhoea annually, which he said could be prevented through proper hand washing.

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