Protecting both our Environment and our Health – Clean Hands and Clean Lands for Sustainable Future

October 15th marks International Hand washing Day, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases and promoting public health. As Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, I recognize that our efforts to combat Desertification, improve Food security, and restore Degraded landscapes across our Frontline states must also address the intersection of environmental health and public health. Proper hand hygiene is essential to both.

This day provides an opportunity to emphasize that, just as the Agency protects the environment from degradation, hand washing with soap protects our communities from the spread of infections.

Hand washing with soap is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and respiratory infections. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its significance, reminding us that basic hygiene practices are key to saving lives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), proper hand hygiene could reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases by up to 40%. However, for millions of people living in rural and underserved areas, access to clean water and soap remains a challenge.

In the regions affected by the desertification that the Great Green Wall aims to reverse, the scarcity of water makes hand washing even more difficult. Without access to this vital resource, communities are vulnerable to disease outbreaks, which exacerbate poverty and hinder development.

Our Mandate at National Agency for the Great Green Wall is to restore 100 million hectare across our 11 Frontline states. Our efforts aim not only to combat desertification but also to build resilient communities that can thrive in the face of climate change. Hand hygiene is a crucial part of this vision.

Achieving the dual goals of environmental sustainability and public health requires a collaborative effort. Governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international development partners must work together to promote hygiene education and ensure the provision of clean water, even in the most remote communities.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,,the National Agency for the Great Green Wall is building partnerships with health organizations & other Agencies to integrate hygiene education into our community outreach programs. By teaching proper hand washing techniques and the importance of sanitation, we are empowering communities to take control of their health while we continue to restore their environment.

As we observe International Hand washing Day, let us remember that safeguarding public health is as critical as restoring our environment. Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education are essential components of our efforts to create sustainable and resilient communities. The Great Green Wall is not just about planting trees—it is about creating a future where both people and the planet can thrive.