UNICEF Urges Nigeria to Invest in Hand Hygiene for Better School Attendance

The UNICEF is advocating for increased investment in hand hygiene infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, to enhance school attendance and community health. Currently, only 35% of schools in Nigeria have basic handwashing facilities, with just 8% demonstrating proper handwashing techniques.

UNICEF is supporting the institutionalization of handwashing practices in 50 schools in Borno State, benefiting 20,000 school children. Gana Mala, the Director of Hygiene at the Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, emphasized the importance of prioritizing hand hygiene to reduce water-related issues.