A non-governmental organisation, Safe Hands Hygiene Foundation, has taken hygiene education and resources to schools, markets, hospitals and communities in Rivers State in a bid to reduce “preventable diseases.”
In collaboration with the Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt (Uniport), Safe Hands Hygiene Foundation on May 5 organised an event to commemorate the 2025 World Hand Hygiene Day, with the theme: ‘It Might Be Gloves, It’s Always Hand Hygiene.’
Addressing government officials, community leaders, public health practitioners, students and teachers, Founder/CEO of Safe Hands Hygiene Foundation, Okolie John Okechukwu said the practice of proper hand hygiene is at the foundation of a healthier society.
He said the theme of this year’s celebration, is not just a slogan but a powerful message of hope and empowerment.
“It reminds us that no matter who we are or where we live, the ability to protect ourselves and our loved ones through simple hygienic practices like hand washing is within our grasp.
“At Safe Hands Hygiene Foundation, we believe that hand hygiene is a bridge to better health, especially in regions like ours where access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services remains a challenge for many.
“Since our inception, we have dedicated ourselves to reducing the burden of preventable diseases by taking hygiene education and resources directly to the grassroots, such as schools, markets, hospitals, and underserved communities.
“Over the past year, we have witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of our interventions. Through collaborative projects, hygiene outreaches, the training of hygiene ambassadors and engaging the government on the importance of financing this project.
“We have empowered thousands of people, especially children and youths, with the knowledge and tools to protect their health,” he said.
He however noted that, “Yet, the work is far from done. According to the World Health Organization, one in four health care facilities globally lacks basic water services, and nearly 3 billion people do not have access to hand washing facilities with soap at home.
“These are not just statistics, they are realities that cost lives every day. And that is why today’s commemoration must go beyond a ceremony. It must be a call to action for all of us, including governments, NGOs, corporate bodies, educational institutions, religious leaders, parents, and most importantly, the youths.”
He reminded participants and students of Health Promotion Club University of Port Harcourt that they are the future of public health in Nigeria adding, “Let your clean hands be a symbol of responsibility, leadership, and change.
“Let us make it our shared goal that from this day forward, no healthcare worker in Port Harcourt, in Rivers State, or anywhere in Nigeria, should fall sick because of lack of access to clean water or the simple act of hand hygiene.”
He listed the objectives of the World Hand Hygiene Day as to highlight the IPC situation globally including the need for investment cases, and the impact of optimal hand hygiene practices (using the appropriate technique and according to the WHO 5 Moments), to highlight the need for on-going promotion of appropriate glove use, alongside hand hygiene action, to raise awareness of the environmental and climate impact of gloves on waste generation and management
Others he listed are to outline the role of hand hygiene within national |PC strategies, as well as standard operating procedures (SOPs) at facility level, according to the recommendations of the WHO global action plan and monitoring framework 2024-2030 and highlight a new WHO guide to implementation and to showcase how World Hand Hygiene Day plays a role in bringing people together and raising the profile of IPC improvement as one part of IPC national and health facility programs.
A top member of the foundation and immediate past Vice Chairman/ Supervisor for Health, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Amb. Angela Anthony Oju-Kienmie, urged the participants to make hand hygiene a permanent culture and not just a reaction to pandemics or health campaigns.
Oju-Kienmie, who is founder of Angela and the Rising Stars Initiative (ARISE) and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Environmental and Public Health Management of Nigeria, said the country must “integrate hygiene education into school curricula and we must continue to advocate for policy reforms that prioritize public health at all levels.”
The event also witnessed the presentation of awards to deserving individuals such as HRH King (Engr.) Chukwuemeka V.E.N Woji Okocha Olumeni; Anyamene Christian Ikechukwu, CEO Aisco Great Investment Ltd; Prof Ibinabo Laura Oboro, Professor of Epidemiology and Parasitology; Prof Golda Obiageri Ekenedo, Professor of Health education and Promotion and Dr. Vetty Agala, Executive secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health and protection Program.
