Foundation harps on sensitisation to curb spread of germs, diseases

THE Help Keep Clean Foundation (HKCF), an NGO, has called on Nigerians to embrace to maintain healthy hygienic and sanitary environment to curb the spread of germs and diseases.

Ms. Ijeoma Chikezie, the President of the foundation, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Chikezie, a 25-year old Laboratory Scientist and a recipient of numerous international humanitarian and youth awards, decried the rate of outbreak of diseases in the country.

She attributed the emergence and re-emergence of diseases in the country to lack of awareness of good hygiene practices and what it entails to ensure sanitised environment.

According to her, the foundation will hold its maiden Health Advancement Conference to sensitise the public on the need to keep their environments clean to ward off diseases.

Chikezie said the conference, billed for October 25, is tagged “Environmental Health: Re-awakening national awareness on health hazards and safety practices”.

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She explained that the conference was designed to develop operational and safety measures that would lead to the fight against environmental health hazards successfully.

The humanitarian activist further noted that the conference was geared toward raising awareness on solid waste management, focusing on health problems that could arise from improper collection and disposal of municipal wastes as well ensure the commencement of necessary intervention.

“The aim and objectives of the conference is to raise awareness and sensitisation on the importance of hand washing hygiene as one of the sustainable ways to curb the spread of germs and diseases in our environment.

“It is also to deliberate on ways in which we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) three on good health and well-being in Nigeria.

“The meeting will also help attendees in identifying and preventing some indoor and outdoor environmental hazards in both workplace and home with special focus on Lead and the effects of exposure on children and adults,” she said.

Chikezie added that the conference would attract environmental health specialists, public health professionals, medical practitioners, government and private healthcare agencies as well as companies and international health organisations.

The meeting will also feature Embassies, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Primary and Secondary School Children, parents and guardians, NGOs and the general public.

NAN reports that HKCF is a charity organisation with the vision of securing the future of the nation through cleanliness by promoting safe health and environmental practices with special focus on women and children.