Ibadan:Mrs. Nikky Akah, known as Mama Chichi, runs a stall at Bodija Market where she highlights a critical issue—the lack of basic water and sanitation infrastructure necessary for handwashing. Despite the importance of hand hygiene for health, facilities in the market require payment to access, making it difficult for many to wash their hands.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this situation is part of a broader challenge faced by households, schools, and healthcare centers across Ibadan, especially as the world observes Global Handwashing Day on October 15. The event aims to promote handwashing as a key hygiene practice.
Dr. Eno Onen, a Community Physician, explains that structural barriers are the main obstacles to effective hand hygiene. A study in Ibadan revealed disparities in hand hygiene knowledge and access between private and public school students. The lack of boreholes and washing stations in public schools forces students to seek water from distant wells, complicating efforts to maintain hygiene.
Dr. Muyiwa Oguntunde from Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Hospital emphasizes the importance of making handwashing a family routine to prevent diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid. He suggests placing soap and water near toilets and dining areas to facilitate this practice.
Mrs. Grace Olubunmi, Proprietress of Wise Mind Private Schools, highlights the importance of hygiene education in schools. Consistent training helps inculcate handwashing habits in students, despite challenges like erratic water supply.
Practical solutions are being implemented to improve hand hygiene. Initiatives by the Oyo State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, UNICEF, and others are installing facilities and conducting live demonstrations. Dr. Onen recommends low-cost solutions, such as Veronica buckets and tippy-taps, to make handwashing stations more accessible.
The key to improving hand hygiene lies in addressing infrastructure gaps and consistently educating communities about the importance of regular handwashing. This can significantly reduce the spread of preventable diseases and improve public health in Ibadan.