Covid 19 150m nigerians lack access to hand washing facilities wateraid

A very relevant and concerning issue!

According to WaterAid, a global organization that works to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), approximately 150 million Nigerians lack access to hand washing facilities. This is a significant challenge, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hand washing with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as it helps to reduce the transmission of the virus through respiratory droplets and contact. However, without access to hand washing facilities, many people in Nigeria are at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

WaterAid's report highlights that:

  1. Only 34% of Nigerians have access to improved hand washing facilities: This means that more than two-thirds of the population do not have access to hand washing facilities with soap and water.
  2. Many schools and healthcare facilities lack hand washing facilities: This is particularly concerning, as these are critical settings where hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  3. Lack of hand washing facilities exacerbates existing health challenges: In Nigeria, many people already face challenges related to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), including poor access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, and limited hygiene practices. The lack of hand washing facilities can worsen these challenges and increase the risk of waterborne diseases.

To address this issue, WaterAid is working with local partners to improve access to hand washing facilities in Nigeria. Some of their initiatives include:

  1. Building hand washing facilities in schools and healthcare facilities: WaterAid is constructing hand washing facilities in schools and healthcare facilities to provide a safe and accessible place for people to wash their hands.
  2. Promoting hand washing practices: WaterAid is working to promote hand washing practices through awareness campaigns, education, and community engagement.
  3. Improving access to clean water and sanitation: WaterAid is also working to improve access to clean water and sanitation in Nigeria, which is essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other waterborne diseases.

It's essential to address the lack of hand washing facilities in Nigeria to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. WaterAid's efforts are crucial in this regard, and we hope that their initiatives will help to improve the lives of millions of people in Nigeria.