Hand Washing Day: Health volunteers sensitize Almajiri, destitute in Kaduna

Health volunteers, including doctors and nurses, have sensitized Almajiri children and destitute in Kaduna on the need to wash their hands with a view to ensuring the reduction of common infections and viruses.

Speaking at the sensitization campaign to various Almajiri schools yesterday to mark the Global Hand Washing Day, founder of Women 4 Women, a Non-Governmental Organization which focuses on children’s and women’s health, Maryam Abubakar, said washing hands is the best way to stop germs from spreading infectious diseases, adding that “it is the simplest, most effective measure of preventing the spread of bacteria, pathogens, and viruses that may harm children and adult in a community.”

According to her, “We choose to celebrate the day through educating Almajirai and other destitute children simply because we feel they are always left behind in terms of educating health education and there is need for them to be educated like every other child about preventive ways to avert spread of diseases.

“These children eat food without washing or cleaning their hand which is very dangerous to their health as they can get infected with germs when they touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then touch their face (mouth, eyes, and nose) without washing their hands.”

Similarly, founder, Foundation for the Protection of Women and Children, Comrade Ramatu Tijjani, called on traditional and religious leaders to support the campaign aimed at educating various communities on the vital role of hand washing.