South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Juba County Commissioner, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, on Thursday emphasized the need for improving waste management disposal and hygiene in Juba.
Ezbon who was speaking during celebrations to mark World Hand Washing Day, said proper waste management and hand hygiene play critical role in preventing diseases such as cholera, conjunctivitis, and monkeypox.
“Teaching children about hand washing is vital; it’s not about being dirty but about protecting themselves from illness,” Ezbon said.
He noted that many germs that can make people sick are spread due to not washing hands with soap.
“Hand washing with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Keeping hands clean help sprevent diarrheal illnesses and respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu,” Ezbon disclosed.
The Executive Director of Action Community Health, John Bebe, corroborated Ezbon while emphasizing the individual responsibility in promoting good hygiene practices.
“Good hygiene starts with each of us. We must invest in teaching our children about its importance,” Bebe said.
Joseph Lobojo, the General Urban WASH Coordinator for Central Equatoria State, said hand washing can reduce diarrhea by 30% and respiratory infections by 20%.
“It only takes 20 seconds to wash our hands and combat germs,” he said.
Global Hand Washing Day is celebrated annually on October 15, to raise awareness about the importance of hand washing with soap and water.
