The County Government of Mandera, through the Department of Health Services, today joined the rest of the world in commemorating Global Handwashing Day at Mandera DEB Comprehensive School under the theme “Be A Handwashing Hero.”
The event brought together the County Executive Committee Member for Health, Chief Officers, Members of the County Assembly, county health teams, teachers, pupils, and community members to celebrate the life-saving power of clean hands in preventing disease and promoting healthy communities.
Speakers at the event underscored that handwashing with soap and clean water remains one of the most effective and affordable methods of preventing diarrheal and respiratory diseases, particularly in areas prone to outbreaks such as cholera.
They further reaffirmed the county’s commitment to strengthening water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in schools, health facilities, and communities across Mandera.
The celebrations featured live demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques, emphasizing the critical steps required for effective hand hygiene.
Pupils actively participated in the exercises, symbolizing the campaign’s focus on children as both learners and agents of change who can promote positive hygiene practices within their families and communities.
The County Government expressed its appreciation to its partners, including RACIDA and Concern Worldwide, for their continued collaboration through the Haananao Project, funded by Irish Aid, alongside other stakeholders supporting hygiene and sanitation initiatives.
Through this joint effort, Mandera County continues to champion preventive health and empower communities to adopt simple, practical habits that protect lives and promote well-being.