By James Innocent
Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, observed Global Handwashing Day this week under the theme “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?”
Dr. Michael Lugala, the Medical Director of the Yei River County Health Department, who presided over the event urged WASH partners to support local communities by providing essential hygiene kits, including soap and handwashing stations, to enhance hand hygiene practices.
Lugala also called for improvements in the standards of community latrines, emphasizing that mere renovations are not enough to ensure proper sanitation.
Mr. Ezibon Wayi, the Finance and Administration representative for Malteser International, spoke on behalf of the WASH partners.
He advised the citizens of Yei to prioritize regular handwashing, particularly before meals.
Mr. Wayi highlighted that handwashing with soap is crucial in reducing the transmission of various pathogens, including those responsible for cholera, COVID-19, and monkeypox.
Global Handwashing Day is celebrated annually on October 15th. Since its inception in 2008, the day has raised awareness about the importance of hand hygiene, reaching over 120 million children across more than 70 countries.