Nigeria launches nationwide handwashing campaign to curb cholera and diphtheria

The Nigerian federal government has launched a nationwide handwashing campaign to combat the spread of infectious diseases, specifically targeting cholera and diphtheria. The initiative emphasizes that preventing these illnesses requires a shift toward consistent personal hygiene and everyday preventive measures rather than relying solely on clinical interventions and medical treatments.

Launched in Abuja during the commemoration of Global Handwashing Day, the campaign was organized in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Nestlé. Government officials highlighted that proper hand hygiene with soap and clean water is essential in homes, schools, markets, and workplaces to reduce pathogen transmission.

To promote practical application, a handwashing station was constructed at Police Day Secondary School in Abuja to empower students to act as hygiene ambassadors. Authorities noted that particular attention must be paid to food handlers and market traders to prevent contamination and reduce the overall burden on the national healthcare system.