'Hand Washing Is Everyone's Business' Says Cross River RUWATSSA

By Florence Kekong

Cross River Rural Water and Supply and Sanitation Agency, RUWATSSA, has concluded this year's Global HANDWASHING Day with a call on everyone to see the practice of handwashing with soap at critical times as a global concern.

Acting Programmes Manager, Elder Eyo Offiong, made the call in Calabar, when he led Sanitation enthusiasts, including students, market women, drivers and staff of the Agency to deliver key messages in the value if handwashing with soap and water at critical times.

The rally that took the team round the streets of Calabar, markets, schools and restaurants afforded both Sanitation Heroes, residents , passers-by and staff to share information and witness the proper way to wash hands as it was demonstrated.

The PM explained that this year's handwashing day with the theme, "Clean Hands for All", is a pointer to the fact that all must be inclusive when addressing Sanitation and hygiene disparities and as such, the Agency has made it a priority concern by taking the lead in this regard.

"Global Handwashing Day" I'd endorsed by governments, schools, companies, international institutions, civil society organizations, NGOs and individuals, he emphasized.

" We remain particularly appreciative to the State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade for the deep concern he has for enhancing livelihoods everywhere in the State and do hope that people on the communities would also reciprocate the kind gesture by guiding jealously water facilities that have been provided for them.

He noted stressed the point that the State Governor is ever ready to address inequalities in Sanitation facilities which includes effective handwashing programmes that can out individuals at higher risk for diseases that impact their health, education and economic outcomes.

No matter your role, you can celebrate the day by Igniting other individuals to take action in washing their hands clean at critical times with soup and water", Elder Offiong advised.
It could be recalled that the first Global Handwashing Day was held in 2008, when over 120 million children around the world washed their hands with soap and water in more than 70 countries.
Since then, community and national leaders have used Global Handwashing Day to spread word about hand washing and demonstrate the simplicity and value of clean hands.

In Cross River, the day has continued to grow, with willing partners collaborate and support the government, through RUWATSSA.

The Program Manager also thanked the United Purpose and other organizations for the continued push that the Agency has always received from them and commending also, efforts of all stakeholders in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).