Morung Express News
Kohima | October 15
Under the theme, ‘Make handwashing a habit’, the Global Handwashing Day (GHD) was commemorated at Vineyard School, Lerie Colony on October 15 with Lithrongla Sangtam, ADC Kohima as the chief guest.
Sanitation is an important part of our civilized society, said Er. Mezivil Kikhi, SDO (PHED), Kohima Rural Division during the commemoration who hoped the program will be a stepping stone towards better lifestyle in Naga society. Stressing on the theme of the day and importance of sanitation where handwashing is a crucial part, Er. Kikhi encouraged the students to in washing their hands which saves more lives than any vaccine or medical intervention.
“Sanitation is one of the factors that determine the civility of our society,” asserted Er Kikhi who was hopeful that commemorations, such as Global Handwashing Day, creating awareness among the students is a very good beginning to bring about changes in society.
In his keynote address, Er Jakpou Khiamniungan, Executive Engineer, PHED, Rural Devision Kohima highlighted that the Global Handwashing Day is an annual global advocacy day dedicated to increasing an understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an easy effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. The objectives of the commemoration is to foster and support a global and local culture of handwashing with soap, shine a spotlight on the state of handwashing around the world and raise awareness about benefits of handwashing with soap.
The theme ‘Make Handwashing a habit’ also focuses on encouraging the practice of handwashing consistently at key times such as after using toilet or before contact with food. The theme emphasizes the importance of handwashing as a ritual behavior for long term sustainability.
“GHD is a campaign to motivate and mobilize people around the world to improve their handwashing habits, and dedicated to raising awareness of handwashing with soap as a key approach to disease prevention,” stated Er Jakpou Khiamniungan adding that handwashing is an effective and the most inexpensive way to prevent diarrhea and acute respiratory infections. Globally, there are 3.5 million child deaths annually due to diarrhea and pneumonia and handwashing is estimated to reduce respiratory infection by 21% in children under the age of five.
Lithrongla Sangtam also stressed on the importance of handwashing to the students. A handwashing demonstration was performed by Rebecca Kikon, IEC Consultant, DWSM PHED along with the students of Vineyard School.
‘Make handwashing a habit’
Dimapur, October 15 (MExN): Global Handwashing Day on the theme, ‘Make Handwashing a Habit’ was observed at North Town Higher Secondary School (NTHSS) on October 15 with EAC, Chumukedima, Thungbemo Patton as the chief guest.
In his address, Patton urged the students to inculcate a healthy and disciplined lifestyle, as a clean body and healthy mind go hand in hand. Stressing on the need for students to be well informed, to avoid unnecessary hassles for themselves and others, he hoped that through discipline, good habits can be cultivated.
He said that the individual mind should filter out the negativity, as in the present age, one is bombarded with it from all corners. He further espoused for a positive attitude, to contribute to the society. Calling them to be ‘agents of change,’ as the future belongs to them, he urged them to develop a positive mindset and contribute to society.
Delivering the keynote address, L. Tongpang Longkumer, Executive Engineer, PHED (Rural) Division, Dimapur said that the day is aimed at creating awareness and understanding in the minds of the people about the benefits of hand washing with soap, to bring about an attitudinal change, so that hand washing with soap, before and after food and after defecation, gets ingrained in each one of us.
He sought cooperation and support of each and everyone to make it a success besides asking the students to share it with their friends, family, siblings and in their neighborhood.”Let us give our best to spread the message of Clean Hands, Save Lives because healthy citizens are an asset to the society and nation at large,” he added.
A press release stated that the welcome address was delivered by BB Chetri, Principal of NTHSS. Special song was presented by NTHSS choir, Chumukedima. The programme was chaired by Vibou Seyie, IEC Consultant, PHED(R) division Dimapur. Invocation was pronounced by Ketouseno Tsukrü. Vote of thanks was delivered by Imojungla Longkumer, Sanitation and Hygiene Consultant, PHED(R) division, Dimapur. On the occasion, soaps, bookmarks printed with logo of global hand washing on five steps of hand washing with soap etc were distributed to the students.
Global Handwashing Day at Ahthibung town
Peren, October 15 (MExN): Global Handwashing Day was observed at Christian English School, Ahthibung Town, Peren district. The event was organised by District Water and Sanitation Mission, Public Health Engineering Department, Peren Division and sponsored by Swachh Bharat Mission, PHED, Kohima, Nagaland.
The programme was chaired by Er. Rongba, JE PHED, Ahthibung and invocation prayer said by Rev. L Gangte, Secretary CGKCC, and welcome address was given by Moanaro, Chemist DWSM, PHED, Peren. A speech on the importance of handwashing with soap and a demonstration on hand washing was given by Binsaniu, IEC Consultant, DWSM, PHED, Peren.
School students from CES, GMS and GHS Ahthibung, enthusiastically participated and learned about the Five Steps On Hand washing. Er K. Solo, SDO, PHED Jalukie also talked on the history and importance of Global Handwashing Day. TH Thomson Assistant Headmaster said the benediction prayer.
A press release stated that the event was a first in Ahthibung town and the students, teachers and public appreciated the department for organising such function in the school.
