Lahore: WaterAid Pakistan organized a notable gathering at Faletti’s Hotel on Global Handwashing Day to discuss the enduring importance of hand hygiene, which plays a crucial role in preventing diseases and enhancing public health under the theme “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?”

According to WaterAid, the event brought together an array of stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and health policymakers to advocate for better hygiene practices across various sectors. The highlight was the presentation of the Health Budget and Expenditure Analysis Study by Muhammad Fazal, which underscored the critical need for strategic investments in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to maintain and expand access to essential hygiene facilities.

The day’s discussions featured insights from several distinguished guests such as Amir Hayat Hiraj, a member of the Provincial Assembly; Zeeshan Anwar Awan from the Planning and Development Board of Punjab; Zohaib Butt, Director General of Punjab Aab-e-Pak Authority; and Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, Managing Director of WASA Rawalpindi. Renowned actor Iftikhar Thakur also participated, highlighting the role of popular media in promoting public health initiatives.

The session concluded with remarks from MPA Kanwal Liaquat, the Chief Guest and Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Protection and Climate Change, Punjab, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the WASH agenda and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders.

In his closing statement, Mian Muhammad Junaid, Country Director at WaterAid Pakistan, emphasized the power of clean hands in safeguarding public health and expressed gratitude towards the continued support from all participants in promoting sustainable hygiene solutions.