Lahore, October 29, 2024 – WaterAid Pakistan held a pivotal event today in Lahore to commemorate Global Handwashing Day, highlighting the crucial role of hand hygiene in preventing diseases and promoting public health. This year’s theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?”, underscores the ongoing necessity for effective handwashing practices across homes, schools, communities, and workplaces.
The gathering attracted key stakeholders, government officials, community leaders, and policymakers, all united to discuss sustainable hygiene solutions and address the pressing challenges within the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. A significant highlight of the event was the presentation of WaterAid’s Health Budget & Expenditure Analysis Study, which emphasized the urgent need for strategic investments in WASH services to guarantee sustained access to essential hygiene facilities.
Distinguished guests included Amir Hayat Hiraj, Member of the Provincial Assembly; Zeeshan Anwar Awan, Chief of the Urban Development Authorities at the Planning & Development Board of Punjab; Zohaib Butt, Director General of Punjab Aab-e-Pak Authority; and renowned actor Iftikhar Thakur, alongside MD of WASA Rawalpindi, Saleem Ashraf.
The event culminated with remarks from MPA Kanwal Liaquat, the Chief Guest and Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Protection and Climate Change in Punjab. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the WASH mandate, stating, “On behalf of the Government of Punjab, I reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders work together to enhance hygiene practices across the province.”
In his closing address, Mian Muhammad Junaid, Country Director of WaterAid Pakistan, emphasized the significance of clean hands as not merely a practice but a vital tool in safeguarding public health. “Our commitment remains to collaborate with partners and communities to ensure sustainable hygiene solutions that protect the most vulnerable among us,” he stated, extending gratitude to all stakeholders for their continued support in promoting hygiene and public health initiatives.
This year’s Global Handwashing Day serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, the fight for improved hygiene practices is far from over. WaterAid Pakistan’s efforts, alongside community and governmental support, aim to foster an environment where hand hygiene becomes a cornerstone of public health, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for all.
