Vihiga:Government officers in Vihiga County have been encouraged to adopt proper handwashing practices to curb the spread of infectious diseases while delivering services to the public. This initiative was highlighted during the Global Handwashing Day celebration on October 15, where the Vihiga County Department of Health Services, along with the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Alliance, organized a handwashing awareness exercise.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event was held at the Vihiga County Commissioner’s building and involved both national and county government officers in a demonstration of effective handwashing techniques. Vihiga County Commissioner Jeremiah Mwai Gicheru led the initiative, stressing the importance of making handwashing a regular habit to prevent infections such as diarrhoeal diseases.
Gicheru emphasized the need for residents to wash their hands regularly, especially during food preparation and after using restrooms. Vihiga County Public Health Officer and WASH Programme Coordinator Thomas Aliwa noted that the annual event underscores the vital role of handwashing in protecting communities from preventable diseases. He highlighted the significance of government officers setting an example of proper hygiene in public offices to reduce infection risks.
The County Department of Health concluded the event with a practical session on correct handwashing procedures using clean water and soap, reinforcing the message of maintaining hygiene to prevent infections.
