Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
As part of activities marking Global Handwashing Day 2025, the Plateau Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) program, in partnership with Global Impact 360, has launched a major hygiene initiative aimed at improving public health and sanitation across Plateau State.
The event, themed “Be a Handwashing Hero,” was held at the Obasanjo Model Primary School in Jos South Local Government Area, drawing participants from the water and sanitation sector, development partners, school authorities, and pupils. It also marked the official flag-off of the construction of over 100 WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities in schools and healthcare centres across selected local government areas in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Lohnan Gambo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources and Energy, who represented Hon. Bashir Datti Lawadi, the Commissioner, emphasized the importance of proper handwashing in preventing diseases.
“Global Handwashing Day is a global campaign aimed at promoting hand hygiene and preventing illnesses. Proper handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of infectious diseases,” the Commissioner noted.
He highlighted the alarming statistics showing that proper handwashing can reduce diarrheal diseases by 25–50% and respiratory infections by up to 21%, stressing that a large portion of the population still lacks access to adequate hygiene facilities.
According to him, the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang is committed to closing this gap through the expansion of sanitation and hygiene infrastructure. He described the new project as a “major milestone”, aligning with the government’s broader WASH and public health goals.
“We are officially flagging off the construction of over 100 WASH facilities with handwashing provisions in schools and healthcare centres across Langtang North, Wase, Mangu, Bokkos, Jos South, and Jos North LGAs,” he announced.
In his remarks, Engr. Jonathan Malaan, Program Coordinator of Plateau SURWASH, expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders for their continuous support.
“As we celebrate Global Handwashing Day, we are also witnessing a significant milestone in our intervention. The theme ‘Be a Handwashing Hero’ captures the essence of our campaign to build a cleaner, healthier Plateau,” he said.
He noted that the project will enhance hygiene practices and contribute to improved school attendance, pupil health, and general community well-being, especially in underserved areas.
The National Director of Global Impact 360, Professor Otumala J. Egbere, also spoke on the need for sustainability in hygiene interventions. He revealed that specially designed handwashing machines are being installed in schools to make daily handwashing easier for pupils, helping to instill lifelong habits of cleanliness and sanitation.
A live handwashing demonstration by hygiene education expert Victoria Bitkop was one of the event’s highlights, captivating pupils with a practical step-by-step display of proper handwashing techniques.
Goodwill messages also came from several key stakeholders, including:
-
Engr. Godfrey Dashuhar, General Manager, Plateau Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PRUWASSA)
-
Geologist Jelkyes Dakat, General Manager, Plateau Metropolitan Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (PLAMWASSA)
-
Engr. Samchi Appolos, Managing Director, Jos Water Services Corporation
-
Representatives from the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
Each speaker commended the collaboration between SURWASH and Global Impact 360, describing it as a model that can be replicated across Nigeria.
As Global Handwashing Day is celebrated worldwide, the Plateau initiative stands as a shining example of how coordinated public-private partnerships can make tangible impacts on health outcomes. By promoting hygiene, improving infrastructure, and inspiring behavioral change, the program underscores that even simple actions—like washing hands with soap—can save lives.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reports | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
© 2025 Stone Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.
Add comment
Comments