Proper handwashing will reduce diarrhoea-related deaths by 50% – Minister

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Terlumun Utsev, has emphasised that the consistent practice of proper handwashing can reduce deaths from diarrhoea by almost half, and deaths from acute respiratory infections by a quarter.

Professor Utsev made this known during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Global Handwashing Day, organised by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and the National Task Group on Sanitation (NTGS).

He highlighted the importance of hand hygiene in improving public health, sanitation, and economic outcomes across the country.

“The adoption of this practice is estimated to cut deaths from diarrhoea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by a quarter. Handwashing is a ‘first-line’ defence in preventing outbreaks and reducing the toll of pandemics, as we witnessed during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, where it significantly contributed to reducing mortalities,” the Minister said.

He stressed the need for collective action to expand access to hygiene services across Nigeria, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal Target 6.2, which calls for universal access to handwashing facilities with soap and water.

Despite a reported 99% awareness of handwashing practices, the Minister expressed concern over the gap in proper practice: “Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population cannot demonstrate proper handwashing with soap and water under running water. Many still struggle to wash their hands at critical times – such as after defecation, after touching animals or sick individuals, after playing, and before cooking, eating, handling food, or feeding others.”

He called for intensified efforts to review and strengthen existing strategies, ensuring more effective and sustainable hygiene interventions.

On his part, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said handwashing is a collective responsibility that is critical for the preservation of human health.

Lawal, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, in the Ministry of Environment, Aghogho Gbetsere, added that proper adoption of handwashing practices will be a lifesaver for Nigeria.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, described hand hygiene as a simple but powerful tool in preventing disease and promoting national well-being.

Pheelangwa, who was represented by the Director, Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement in the Ministry, Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, acknowledged the efforts of the National Task Group on Sanitation in promoting hand hygiene nationwide and praised the media for their vital role in public sensitisation.

“We count on your continued support to spread the message of handwashing for healthy living,” he stated.