EFFECTIVE HAND-WASHING PRACTICES CAN REDUCE SCHOOL ABSENTEEISM BY UP TO 50%, SAYS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

The Ministry of Education says absenteeism due to illness can be reduced by up to 50% in schools that maintain effective hand-washing practices. 

Lusaka District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Ian Miyoba, remarked that preventing illnesses helps learners attend school more regularly. 

Miyoba emphasized that schools focusing on creating a conducive learning environment enable children to thrive without the disruptions caused by preventable illnesses.

He acknowledged the progress made in improving sanitation in schools, noting that providing clean water and necessary infrastructure is essential. 

The DEBS also stressed that these efforts not only benefit learners but also instill lifelong habits, contributing to a healthier community. 

Miyoba stated that equipping every school in Zambia with the resources needed for good hygiene practices is crucial for achieving positive educational outcomes for all children.

The DEBS highlighted the significance of proper hand-washing practices during his speech at the Global Hand-Washing Day satellite event at Kapwelyomba School in Lusaka spearheaded by BORDA Zambia.

Meanwhile, BORDA Zambia Country Director Amanda Mallaghan emphasized that clean hands are still important for keeping people healthy, maintaining wellbeing, dignity, and productivity, and keeping learners in school.

She mentioned that BORDA Zambia, in partnership with Viva con Agua and soulbottles, has been implementing WASH in schools’ activities since February 2021 through the WASH’n’soul Project. 

The WASH Expert said during phase one of the Project, they worked with 20 schools in Lusaka to improve access to sustainable WASH services.

Mallaghan explained that together with the Ministry of Education through the DEBS office, and in collaboration with other key stakeholders, phase two of the WASH’n’soul Project would be implemented in ten schools in Lusaka. 

The Project would support these ten schools to achieve basic national WinS standards in line with the Ministry of Education’s WASH in Schools National Standards launched in 2022.

She highlighted that the Project uses the School-Based Sanitation Approach, which combines social and technical components to improve WASH in Schools by addressing three key pillars: institutional and capacity strengthening, infrastructure development, and behavior change and health promotion.

Mallaghan acknowledged that there is still work to do to achieve the goals set out in the National Vision 2030 and the SDGs related to WASH.

An Official Kundananji Mwamulima from the Water Voices United project, Co-funded by the European Union and the Danish People’s Aid implemented by Zambia NGO WASH Forum and SNV Zambia expressed her admiration for the unity shown by participants in marking Global Hand-washing Day. 

Mwamulima emphasized that collaboration and solidarity among WASH players amplify efforts to achieve universal access to clean water and sanitation. 

She mentioned that they are working closely with local communities to promote hand hygiene and other WASH practices.

Under community engagement, Mwamulima highlighted their advocacy for increased funding and better policy decisions to support WASH initiatives. 

On policy influence, she noted their efforts in implementing WASH programs in schools to teach children the importance of handwashing and good hygiene practices. 

Mwamulima extended heartfelt thanks to the European Union and the Danish People’s Aid for their generous support and funding, which make these vital initiatives possible. 

She also thanked BORDA Zambia for being a committed member of the Zambia NGO WASH Forum and for championing WASH in schools. 

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