Infections: Kaduna gov’s wife canvasses hand washing

Hajiya Aisha El-Rufa’i, wife of Kaduna State governor.

The wife of Kaduna State governor, Hajiya Aisha El-Rufa’i, on Wednesday, called for more public awareness on the importance of hand washing to reduce the incidence of diarrhoea and respiratory infections.

The governor’s wife, who was represented by Mrs Mary Sawok, Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Women Affairs, said this at a two-day review meeting with selected leaders of Faith-Based Organisations (FBO) in Zaria.

The theme is: “Demand Creation for Child Survival and Development”.

“On hand washing, children suffer disproportionately from diarrheal diseases.

“A UNICEF report says that over two million children, under the age of five, are dying every year from diarrhoea and pneumonia-related diseases, globally.

“However, research has shown that hand washing with soap or ash, can reduce the incidence of diarrhoea among under-five children by almost 50 percent and respiratory infections by nearly 25 per cent.

“The simple act of washing hands with soap at critical moments, especially after using the toilet and before handling food, is a key cost-effective and lifesaving intervention.”

She said that achieving a healthy society for positive change would not be meaningful without the participation of active stakeholders.

Consequently, she urged stakeholders, such as religious, community and women leaders in every society to be involved in championing this change.

The Interim Management Committee Chairman, Zaria Local Government Council, Alhaji Abubakar Maude, said that women are vital components of life.

According to him, women should be self-reliant and versatile, to achieve a balanced and happy family life.

He also urged members of faith-based organisations to take up the responsibility of ensuring that our environments were clean to reduce the burden of diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are some of the selected organisations that participated in the meeting.

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