Vengai Dengu
GOKWE NORTH district joined the global community in observing Global Handwashing Day at Chireya Dip Tank in Ward 27, under Chief Chireya.
The day is commemorated on October 15 each year. This year’s theme was: “Why are clean hands still important.”
The event, sponsored by Africa Ahead under the auspices of USAID, brought together various partners, including AFC, NAZ, and MUSASA, to emphasise the significance of hand hygiene in preventing waterborne diseases.
The acting District Development Coordinator of Gokwe North Willard urged the residents to prioritise handwashing as a crucial step in safeguarding public health.
He expressed gratitude to the organisers for choosing a dip tank as the venue, a decision resonating with the mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Africa Ahead representative Dzingirai Beauty acknowledged the support of the government in facilitating community development projects funded by USAID.
She highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the installation of piped water schemes and the construction of dip tanks.
“Our projects are aimed at improving the lives of people in communities, with a primary focus on enhancing sanitation,” said Dzingirai.
A representative from the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) commended Africa Ahead for their dedication to promoting hand hygiene in rural communities.
The RIDA official added that handwashing is essential in bringing sanity to the communities as they will have access to clean water and they will embark on various sanitation projects.
Gokwe North’s District Environmental Health Officer, Christopher Mandima, underscored the importance of hand hygiene, offering practical advice for those lacking soap or detergents, suggesting the use of ash as an alternative.
The celebration served as a vital reminder of the ongoing need for sanitation awareness and the critical role it plays in community health.
New Ziana