The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, on Monday said that proper hand washing can cut the risk of diarrheal diseases by up to 50% and respiratory infections by nearly 25%.
Speaking at the 2026 Global Handwashing Day, in Abuja, he expressed his delight to Worlds join the community of Heros and Heroines to commemorate the Day with the theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero.”
He said: The theme: “Be a Handwashing Hero/Heroines” calls for collaborative action for each of us, individuals, families, schools, businesses, and governments, to step up as champions of hand hygiene.
“Heroes or Heroines aren’t born; they are made through consistent actions that inspires, protects and preserve people and community.
“Today’s Global Handwashing Day Commemoration calls for collaboration and collective coordinated actions to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap under running water as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
“Handwashing with soap and running water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections, including COVID-19, Cholera, Diptheria,Typhoid, Lassa fever, e.t.c.”
The Minister, called for collaboration and collective coordinated actions which goes beyond business as usual, promoting not only the provision of sanitation facilities but also their safe management to prevent disease.
According to him,this brings to our consciousness the importance of sanitation and hygiene as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases, save lives, and ensure effective, quality sanitation delivery services, as well as meeting SDGs 3 and 6 by 2030.
He said: “The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Environment and other Ministries, Departments, Agencies and the Hope Agenda of Mr. President remain steadfast in implementing Policies and programmes that promotes and improve Water Sanitation and hygiene (WASH) across communities.”
He urged Nigerians, government officials, private sector stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youth, and every citizen—to rise to the challenge and be a Handwashing Hero.
“Being a handwashing hero does not require extraordinary effort, it begins with small, consistent actions such as: Wash your hands with soap and running water at critical times.
“Before eating, after using the toilet, after handling waste, and after contact with others and animals
ensure schools, healthcare facilities, and workplaces have accessible handwashing stations.
“Promote hygiene education among children and within communities.
Support government initiatives that advance WASH infrastructure and environmental health.
” Innovate for sustainability: In the face of environmental challenges like Climate Change/ drought, adopt Climate smart water-saving handwashing techniques, such as tippy taps, simple devices that use minimal water.
“This aligns with our national climate action plans, ensuring that handwashing doesn’t exacerbate water scarcity.
“And to our youth: You are the digital natives and change-makers.
“Create apps, videos, and campaigns that make handwashing fun and viral. Remember, heroes/heroines like you can influence millions with a single post.” The Minister, said.
He further reinforced that as we commemorate this day, let us remember that clean hands save lives.
“The power to protect our families, communities, and future generations lies in our hands.
“Let us therefore rise as Handwashing Heroes, leading by example, inspiring change, and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or status, has the means and motivation to practice hand hygiene.” He said.
In his remark, the Permanent Secretary, at the Ministry, Mr. Salihu Usman, said Global Handwashing Day is a global advocacy day dedicated to increase awareness and understanding about the importance of hand washing with soap under running water as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
The Day, he said was initiated by the Global Handwashing Partnership (GHP) in 2008 at the annual World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden and October 15 was appointed by the UN General Assembly as the Commemoration Day.
He said: Clean hands remain our first line of defense. By choosing to be a Handwashing Hero, each of us plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases such as diphtheria and cholera, reducing the risk of hospital acquired infections, and maintaining personal hygiene even in busy spaces like marketplace.
“Beyond the immediate benefits of disease reduction, stepping up as a Handwashing Hero directly fosters a healthier, more productive society by reducing rates of absenteeism in both our schools and workplace.
“As we begin this occasion, let us remember that the impact of Global Handwashing Day should not be measured solely by the activities we undertake today, but by the positive changes we inspire in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities long after this event.”