October,15, 2025-Mansa Deputy Mayor, His Honour Besa Kalumba, says handwashing with soap remains one of the most effective and affordable defenses against diarrheal diseases.
Speaking at the 2025 Global Handwashing Day (GHWD) commemoration held at Don Bosco School, the Deputy Mayor noted that handwashing at critical times such as before and after meals and after using the Toilet can save countless lives.
He noted that this year’s GHWD theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero,” calls on everyone to champion hygiene and safeguard community health. The Deputy Mayor added that to support this goal, the local authority is implementing both immediate and long-term measures to address water and sanitation challenges, which threaten livelihoods and increase the risk of preventable diseases.
He added that the council is actively monitoring groundwater levels, collaborating with partners to secure sustainable water solutions and expanding hygiene education in schools and communities by promoting proper handwashing practices.
Representing Town Clerk Dr. Josephine Mwanza, Mr. Chisimo Phiri encouraged individuals to lead hand hygiene efforts within their communities to realize the broader benefits of good hygiene nationwide.
Speaking at the same event, a Senior Engineer from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, David Luneta, urged communities and stakeholders to work closely with the ministry to ensure access to clean water and sanitation, stressing that collective action is vital to building a healthier, more resilient future.
In partnership with the Ministries of Education and Water Development and Sanitation, the Deputy Mayor donated handwashing buckets to Don Bosco School.
The event was officially opened by Don Bosco Headteacher Fridah Bowa, who encouraged participants to become handwashing ambassadors in their communities.
Ahead of the commemoration, the local authority and stakeholders organized a hygiene quiz at Don Bosco School and aired a radio program to raise awareness.
