(KPL) Marking 50 years of partnership, the Government of the Lao PDR and UNICEF have renewed their commitment to universal hygiene access on Global Handwashing Day.
(KPL) Marking 50 years of partnership, the Government of the Lao PDR and UNICEF have renewed their commitment to universal hygiene access on Global Handwashing Day.
Celebrated annually on 15 October, Global Handwashing Day aims to highlight the crucial role of hand hygiene in preventing illness and saving lives. This year’s theme, “Clean Hands are within Reach,” underscores the right of every child to safe water, sanitation and hygiene.
Speaking about the hygiene and sanitation situation in the Lao PDR, Mr. Kongkham Miboon, Director of Nam Saat, noted the considerable changes witnessed over the decades.
‘In 1975, it is estimated that only 292,000 people across 1,000 villages had clean water. Schools did not have appropriate sanitation facilities. Water-related illnesses typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea, and worm infestations are listed among t
he major disease in Laos – and were leading causes of death. But today over 5 million people in Lao PDR have access to basic water, offering children and their families the chance of a healthier future,’ said Mr. Kongkham Miboon.
In a collaboration that stretches over five decades, UNICEF and the Government of the Lao PDR have tirelessly addressed critical issues in water, sanitation, and hygiene throughout the nation. Since establishing its presence in Laos in 1973, UNICEF has forged robust partnerships with local stakeholders to supply villages, schools, and hospitals with clean water and essential sanitation facilities. Additionally, the organization has taken strides in capacity building, training healthcare workers and spearheading community education campaigns focused on vital hygiene practices, such as handwashing-a seemingly simple act that can yield life-saving outcomes.
UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR, Dr. Pia Rebello Britto, emphasized the critical role of handwashing, especially as UNICEF c
elebrates its 50-year partnership with the Government of Lao PDR.
‘Handwashing with soap is more than a simple health measure; it is an effective tool for preventing a range of health issues, reducing diarrheal diseases by 30% and respiratory infections by up to 20%. We have seen what 50 years of cooperation has done to bring safe water and hygiene to communities across Lao PDR. Now it is time for a last final push to make Lao PDR open defecation free by 2025,’ said Dr. Pia Rebello Britto.
Most recently, Borikhamxay became the first province to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Shortly thereafter, Vientiane Capital was announced as the first ASEAN capital city to achieve ODF status.
Dr. Pia Rebello Britto also underscored the importance of working in partnership to continue Lao PDR’s positive trend towards ODF.
‘UNICEF takes this opportunity to thank our key donors in realising children’s foundational right to clean water, hygiene and sanitation in the Lao PDR for the past 50 years. We would like
to thank the Government of Australia, Irish Aid, the Government of Japan, the Korean Committee for UNICEF and USAID among many others. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring clean hands are within reach for all,’ she added.
Source: Lao News Agency