Lagos residents tasked on regular handwashing

Regular hand washing with soap and water, the covering of mouth and nose with a handkerchief of tissue paper when coughing and sneezing have been identified as the most effective ways of preventing spread of communicable diseases.
This was the main message at the community dialogue on Influenza A HINI (Swine Flu) organized by the Public Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy held in ten communities in the state.
Speaking at the council chamber of the Ojo local government secretariat, Mr. Toyin Adeni-Awosika, an Assistant Director, Ministry of Information and Strategy observed the importance placed by the state government on human health hence concerted efforts to improve public awareness on diseases prevention tips and facilitation of positive healthy behaviour.
He  lamented that despite the knowledge about benefits of hand washing, adherence to the behavior remains very low among the citizens.
He said the main thrust of the dialogue was to update community leaders and representatives on basic information about swine flu, the risks and danger of the virus, the need for improvement of basic hygiene and sanitation and to seek support and commitment of the community.
A similar session held at Obateru Royal Palace, Oba Oriyomi Oyebo of Egbin land in Ikorodu reiterated the need for the people to adhere to the tenets of personal hygiene.
The Oba made a commitment to sustain the campaign through the use of town criers which he said is the normal channel of communication to traditional people.
He cited biweekly meetings with Baales and community elders as another medium through which the messages will be sustained.
He, urged that more sensitisation should be carried out by the Ministry to go round the towns and communities in Ikorodu.
Earlier, Mr Musbau Rasaq, the Principal Information Officer  had explained that people could save a lot of money and lives if they cultivate habits of visiting health facilities when they are sick instead of resorting to self medication.
He said keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. “Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. Using an alcohol-based product containing at least 60 percent alcohol to clean the hands, is as good as using water and soap,” he stressed.
Source:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/11/lagos-residents-tasked-on-regular-handwashing/