By Yaseer Ahmad, Dutse
The First Lady of Jigawa State, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, has called on women across the state to adopt hand-washing as a daily habit to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Speaking at the 2024 Global Hand Washing Day event held in Gandu village, Dutse, Hajiya Hadiza, represented by the governor’s Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Dr Amina Dauda, emphasised the critical role of hand hygiene in curbing diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and respiratory infections.
“Health must always remain a top priority, and something as simple as regular hand-washing has the power to save lives,” she stated.
The First Lady expressed concern that despite the proven benefits of hand-washing, many residents still lack access to clean water and basic hygiene facilities.
“The significance of hand washing with soap cannot be overstated. It is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases,” Hajiya Hadiza said.
“As we celebrate Global Hand Washing-Day, we are reminded of the need to keep reinforcing this message, particularly in our schools, homes, and public spaces.”
She stressed the importance of educating children and communities about proper hand hygiene, adding that it is a collective responsibility that must be continuously promoted.
“This is a message we must advocate every day, not just today,” she added.
Hajiya Hadiza also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving living standards through expanded access to clean water and sanitation, which are essential for promoting good hygiene practices.
“This administration has made significant strides in transforming the state by ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, which are fundamental to good hygiene practices,” she said.
“Through various interventions, the government continues to extend water projects to underserved communities, schools, and healthcare centres.”
The Managing Director of the Jigawa Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Mr Abubakar Sidi, underscored the importance of hand-washing, noting that 90 percent of diseases result from improper hand hygiene.
He urged women to make sure they wash their hands properly before breastfeeding their babies and pledged that RUWASA would install solar-powered water systems in the Gandu community to improve access to clean water.
In a demonstration, the agency’s Director of Hygiene Promotion, Mr Aliyu Mustafa, showed residents how to wash their hands properly using soap and running water.
He encouraged the community to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to protect themselves from infectious diseases.
