Yemisi Dada
Good personal and environmental hygiene are crucial for preventing the spread of sickness and diseases in communities
In order to promote healthier and safer communities, the Lagos State Water Corporation, LWC and its development partner WaterAid Nigeria, have embarked on a two day refresher training for some LWC officers and representatives of Ikorodu North and Ojodu Communities on the five key hygiene behavioral changes.
A WASH officer with WaterAid Nigeria, Mr Bamikole Adegbite, emphasized that personal and environmental hygiene could reduce the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases.
He noted that the refresher workshop was to train the trainers who would in turn go into various communities to step down the knowledge gained to sensitise and educate people at the community level on the importance of proper hygiene which includes regular hand washing with soap and clean water, use of clean toilets, menstrual hygiene, food and water hygiene, with a call on Lagos government to ensure speedy implementation of its WASH policy.
“I will want the Lagos State government to increase its funding in the WASH sector and also be proactive in implementing all the policies, regulations and laws to ensure all residents have access to clean safe and potable water in Lagos.”
Contributing, the Regional Business Manager for North region, Lagos Water Corporation, Mrs Yetunde Odebunmi, said the training was to equip officers with knowledge to educate residents in Agege on the importance of water hygiene especially as the Akilo Waterworks plant is under rehabilitation to ensure all residents have access to clean, safe and potable water in line with SDG goal Six.
“When you practice the hygiene behaviors changes you prolong your life and keep diseases away while increasing productivity because when you are sick or your child you can’t go to work or your market place hence the need for all to imbibe good personal hygiene and sanitation for a healthier lifestyle.”
The Project Manager, Mrs Grace Uwadiale expressed the hope that the objectives of the refresher training to sustain hygiene behaviors would enhance dignity, prevent spread of diseases, reduce under nutrition and enhance healthy living. among the populace.
The participants were taken through the five key hygiene behaviors changes using games like Suwe, snake and ladder, hot potatoes while proper hand washing techniques were practicalized for community engagement.