ZCZC
BSS-36
HANDWASH-MOSHARRAF
World Hand wash Day inaugurated
DHAKA, Oct 15, 2018 (BSS)- Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Khandker Mosharraf Hossain today inaugurated the Global Hand Wash Day 2018 at Osmani Memorial point in the city.
“At present, there is a single pure water source for every 87 people in the country and there would be a pure water source for every 50 people within 2021,” Mosharraf said as the chief guest.
The government led by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina set an example among the development countries in ensuring safe drinking water and hygienic sanitation system, he added.
This year the theme is “Clean Hands – A recipe for health,” which focused on the links between handwashing and food- including food hygiene and nutrition, said a press release.
Handwashing is an important part of keeping food safe, preventing diseases, and helping children grow strong, said Mosharraf.
Senior Secretary of Local Governemnt Division Dr Zafor Ahmed presided over the programme while UNICEF representative to Bangladesh Sumi Chakraborty and Chief Engineer M Saifur Rahman of Department of Public Health Engineering were present, among others.
Other speakers said proper hand wash can prevent three other deadly diseases – acute respiratory infections, Helminth infections and Eye infections.
They said hands are vectors that can transport disease agents from person to person directly or indirectly via surfaces. Hands that have been in contact with faces, nasal excretions and other bodily fluids, and not subsequently properly washed, can vehicle large number of viruses, bacteria and other parasites, the speakers said.
BSS/PR/DH/AU/1845 HRS