As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2020 Global Hand Washing Day, Partners in Benue state have co-opted Persons With Disabilities, (PWDs) in ensuring they maintain best health practices.
The Global Hand Washing Day was established by Global Hand Washing Partnership in 2008 and celebrated 15th of October, every year, to raise global awareness on importance of hand washing with soap.
However, while celebrating the year 2020 version in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, partners said hand washing is one of the simplest practices to prevent the spread of any virus, Coronavirus inclusive, and ensure better health outcomes.
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In Benue State, the celebration was expanded to include persons with all forms of disabilities by sharing and promoting hand washing experience and best practices among them.
The event was put together by United Purpose in Partnership with Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, (ESLF), and supported by Benue WASH Media Network, with amputees, people with hearing impairment and those in wheel chairs and on clutches in attendance.
Speaking during the celebration, State Technical Officer of United Purpose, Mr. Shadrach Guusu, said over 150,000 children under five die yearly from water and sanitation-related sickness in the country and proper hand washing was identified to reduce the rate by 50 percent.
Also, Programme Manager, ESLF, Mr. Tine Agernor, said the Foundation was ready to partner with Organisations that were determined to improve the wellbeing of the people.
Agenor stressed that wife of the Governor, Mrs. Eunice Ortom, was committed to touching the lives of the less privileged.
Also speaking, General Manager, Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, (BERWASA), Mrs. Torkwase lkyaator, represented by the Principal Administrative Officer of the Agency, Bem Aluka, said Government was providing water in public places and rural areas to improve access to water.
She thanked UNICEF, U.P., Water Aid, ESLF, and other partners for supporting Programmes that will make hand washing a habit for all the people in Benue State.
Also speaking, Chairman, Benue WASH Media Network, Babs Usigbe represented by Secretary of the Network, Nancy Orshi, said the network was promoting Organisations and programmes that would promote the practice of hand washing and hygiene in the state.
Our correspondent reports that this year’s celebration had the theme, “Hand Hygiene for All”.
