WaterAid Pakistan Marks Global Handwashing Day 2024 with a Call for Collective Action on Hygiene
WaterAid Pakistan held a significant event in Lahore today to commemorate Global Handwashing Day, reinforcing the crucial role of hand hygiene in preventing disease and promoting public health. This year’s theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?”, highlights the continued need for handwashing practices across all settings, from homes to workplaces.
Focus on Sustainable Hygiene Solutions
The event brought together key stakeholders, government officials, community leaders, and policymakers to discuss sustainable solutions for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in Pakistan. Attendees explored existing challenges and shared ideas for improved access to hygiene services nationwide. A key highlight was the presentation of WaterAid’s Health Budget & Expenditure Analysis Study, which underscored the need for strategic investment in WASH to ensure that communities have sustainable access to essential hygiene facilities.
Notable Attendees
Distinguished guests from various sectors attended the event, including Amir Hayat Hiraj, Member of the Provincial Assembly; Zeeshan Anwar Awan, Chief (UD/Development Authorities) of the Planning & Development Board, Punjab Government; Zohaib Butt, Director General of the Punjab Aab-e-Pak Authority; and Saleem Ashraf, MD of WASA Rawalpindi. Actor and public figure Iftikhar Thakur was also present, adding a familiar face to this significant cause.
Commitment from Government Leadership
The session concluded with remarks from the Chief Guest, MPA Kanwal Liaquat, who serves as the Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Protection and Climate Change, Punjab. Emphasizing the Punjab Government’s dedication, she stated, “On behalf of the Government of Punjab, I reaffirm our commitment to advancing the WASH mandate and ensuring that all stakeholders work together.”
Closing Remarks by Country Director
Mian Muhammad Junaid, Country Director at WaterAid Pakistan, closed the event by stressing the impact of hand hygiene on public health. He noted, “Clean hands are not just a practice but a powerful 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.” Junaid also expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their ongoing support in advancing hygiene and public health in Pakistan.
