By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
GABILE (Somalilandsun) – Gabile city in the west of Somaliland saw the main venue for Global Handwashing day 2013 events commemorated nationwide.
With over 1500 residents in attendance at the Gabile municipality offices the head of local government Mayor Shuaib flanked by Dr. Abdiwahab Abdi Jama (Nakruma) a wash activist in Somaliland urged residents and country’s citizenry to avoid various maladies by utilizing proper hygiene standards, especially Handwashing.
“Handwashing is the most effective & inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal & acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries. Together, the two diseases are responsible for the majority of all child deaths in Africa” Said mayor shuaib
Informing that the two diseases of diarrheal & acute respiratory infections can be prevented through Handwashing the mayor who distributed an assortment of soaps to participants said that it is imperative that each one washes hands after participating in communal activities i.e. schools and markets etc as well as use of toilet.
Urging schools to ensure that hygiene classes are established and students taught about best health practices the mayor said that communal health translates to improved livelihoods and national well being.
About Global Handwashing Day
Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing:
• Foster and support a global culture of Handwashing with soap.
• Shine a spotlight on the state of Handwashing in every country.
• Raise awareness about the benefits of Handwashing with soap.
Global Handwashing Day was originally created for children and schools, but can be celebrated by anyone promoting Handwashing with soap.
Each year, over 200 million people are involved in celebrations in over 100 countries around the world. Global Handwashing is endorsed by a wide array of governments, international institutions, civil society organizations, NGOs, private companies, and individuals.
– See more at: http://globalhandwashing.org
