At an event to mark the Global Hand washing Day held yesterday at Groupe Scolaire Kagugu, Gasabo District, UNICEF urged children to take the lead in promoting the hand washing habit.

According to Friday Nwaigwe, in charge of Health and Nutrition, UNICEF-Rwanda, if picked up regularly, the habit will help curb diarrhoea, a disease that claims the lives of  approximately 30,000 children under the age of five, every year.

"It is also your responsibility to take the lead to attain the expected hygiene to avoid children dying as a result of diarrhoea,” Nwaigwe said. "Wash your hands with soap regularly and share this message with another five children both at school and home.” he said.

Hand washing equipment, including soap was donated to the school by UNICEF to encourage the students to maintain and adopt the practice.

The function was attended by Gasabo district Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Narcisse Ndagijimana, who called upon local leaders, school administrators as well as parents to guide the children how to promote hygiene.

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