Global Handwashing Day, celebrated annually on October 15, raises awareness about handwashing with soap as one of the most affordable and effective ways to promote health and save lives.
By Scholastica Ferox
In commemoration of the 2025 Global Handwashing Day, the Network of Female Professionals in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (FEMinWASH), Cross River State chapter, in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), on Tuesday, organised a sensitisation event at Government Primary School, Ikot Mbo, Tinapa Road, Calabar.
The event, themed around promoting hygiene and behavioural change among schoolchildren, featured practical demonstrations on effective handwashing techniques, interactive sessions, and goodwill messages from key development partners.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Barrister Mensah Bassey, emphasised that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of public health.
Represented by Mr Aneja Tawo, he revealed that the Ministry is exploring surface-water supply solutions for schools facing underground-water challenges. He pledged continued partnership with FEMinWASH, SUBEB, and other stakeholders to extend similar initiatives to more schools and communities.
Relatively, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Edema Irom, welcomed the initiative, maintaining that her doors are open.
Represented by Dr Helen Ejue, the Commissioner for Women Affairs described the pupils as “handwashing heroes”, advising them to maintain good personal hygiene.
The SUBEB, Retired Magistrate Fidelia Okpo Ene, during his opening remarks, said the event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on good health and sanitation.
Represented by Mr Archibong Okon Archibong, Director of Quality Assurance, he noted that SUBEB has provided water facilities in several schools and plans to add toilets and laboratories to others to improve learning environments. He urged teachers to make handwashing a habit among pupils, reiterating that “In SUBEB, we say, if you don’t wash your hands, don’t eat.”
In her keynote address, the State Chairperson of FEMinWASH, Mrs Iquo Eyo, reaffirmed the network’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion in WASH services and empowering women to lead hygiene advocacy.
She acknowledged the support of Self Help Africa (SHA) and appreciated the National President of FEMinWASH, Dr Bolu Onubolu, “for her visionary leadership and national guidance that continue to inspire state chapters.”
Earlier, the Chairman of SUBEB, in his opening remarks, commended FEMinWASH for its continuous partnership in promoting health and sanitation education in schools. He reaffirmed SUBEB’s commitment to integrating hygiene awareness into the school curriculum across the state.
The Head Teacher of PCN Primary School, Mrs Offiong Eyo Morris, appreciated the organisers for selecting her school to host the event, but appealed for improved security following vandalism of school facilities.
To encourage sustained hygiene practice, FEMinWASH donated a handwashing station and an instructional poster demonstrating proper handwashing steps to the school.
Global Handwashing Day, celebrated annually on October 15, raises awareness about handwashing with soap as one of the most affordable and effective ways to promote health and save lives.
