Health
A Social Counselor, Mrs Naomi Akpan, has called on Nigerians to improve on their personal hygiene to avoid contracting infectious diseases such as Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Lassa fever.
Akpan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gwagwalada on Monday.
She said improved personal hygiene, such as proper handwashing, would reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases among residents.
According to her, Nigeria has a national strategy for the promotion of hygiene, which prioritises hand washing before eating, after using the toilet and after cleaning a child who defecated.
“Lack of inclusive hand washing facilities and ineffective hand washing promote some inequalities and place individuals at higher risk of contracting diseases.
“The private sector and academic institutions have key roles to play in using their platforms to promote safe hygiene messages in underserved communities.
“Hand washing has been proven by several studies to be the most cost-effective intervention in the prevention of communicable diseases.
“Individually, we have pivotal roles to play in keeping our communities clean and ensuring every person, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation, has access to handwashing facilities,” she said.
She explained that the government had continued to sensitise and educate Nigerians on the dangers associated with the virus, saying that it was important to adhere strictly to all the safety protocols.
The counselor urged the public to keep their surroundings clean and regularly wash their hands with soap and water and also use hand sanitisers.
“I want to urge all Nigerians to promote handwashing and join the campaign to end open defecation in Nigeria.
“They should imbibe best hygiene practices as directed by medical professionals to avoid contracting the COVID-19 virus.
“People should also endeavour to wash their hands regularly, use hand sanitisers and maintain social distancing.
“They should adhere strictly to safety tips and take proactive measures to help stop the spread of the disease in the country,” she counseled
NAN
– Feb. 22, 2021 @ 18:19 GMT /
Tags: COVID-19: Social counselor advises Nigerians on proper hygiene
