By Yang Ater Yang
Lakes State commemorated Global Hand Washing Day on November 8 at Akot Primary School in Rumbek East County.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Public Utilities in collaboration with WASH partners.
Sultan Mathiang Dut Malual, the paramount chief of Akot Payam, urged the government and NGOs to increase the number of water boreholes in the area.
He highlighted the dire situation in local villages, where broken boreholes have forced communities to rely on contaminated water sources.
“In previous years, we could fetch water from village pools, but now the demand for clean water has grown, leading to long queues and sometimes conflicts over scarce resources,” he stated.
Mager Anyuon Thuc, the Director General of the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Public Utilities, expressed his satisfaction with the celebrations at Akot Primary School.
He emphasized the importance of hand washing in preventing water-related diseases.
“We brought Hand Washing Day to rural areas to promote hygiene and reduce illnesses like diarrhoea,” he said.
The ministry partnered with several NGOs to organize the event, which included participation from community stakeholders such as chiefs, women, and youth.
Thuc praised the security provided by Governor Rin Tueny Mabor, which has allowed for safer travel and access to previously unreachable areas.
He noted that the event was delayed until November 8 due to funding issues, as contributions were not received in time.
Andrew Marial Meen, Team Leader of Across, emphasized the significance of the day in raising awareness about hygiene.
“This year’s theme, ‘Why Clean Hands Are Still Important,’ encourages us to reflect on the role of hand washing in our health and well-being. Simple actions like washing hands with soap and water can save lives,” he stated.
He underscored that hygiene is a community responsibility, especially in Lakes State, where waterborne diseases are prevalent.
“Clean hands protect individuals, families, and communities. They are essential in combating diseases like cholera and diarrhoea, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children,” he added.
Marial also called for ongoing education about hand-washing practices and the need for equitable access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
He encouraged collaboration among health partners, including NGOs and government ministries, to promote hand hygiene.
Margaret Ajok Majak, a participant in the event, shared her positive experiences with the health initiatives supported by NGOs.
“Now, children can eat clean food and have access to water for washing hands after using the toilet. This practice has become habitual for everyone in the village,” she noted.
She emphasized the importance of cleanliness in combating common diseases like diarrhoea and malaria, advocating for continued efforts to improve hygiene in the community.