NAVRONGO: WaterAid Ghana, in collaboration with the Kassena Nankana Municipal Health Directorate, has launched an intensified handwashing campaign in the Manyoro community within the Kassena Nankana Municipality. The initiative aims to promote proper hand hygiene practices, particularly in light of Global Handwashing Day. According to Ghana News Agency, the campaign featured a durbar where staff from the Ghana Health Service conducted a procedural demonstration of effective handwashing techniques. The demonstration was part of the broader activities commemorating Global Handwashing Day, which emphasizes the critical role of hand hygiene in health and advocates for behavioral change towards consistent handwashing with soap under running water in schools, healthcare facilities, and communities. This year, the celebration was themed "Why Clean Hands are Still Important." Madam Nancy Tangwam, a Public Health Nurse at the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Health Directorate, led the demonstration, instructing residents on the proper steps for effective handwashing. These steps include wetting hands under running water, applying enough soap, lathering, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing, and drying with a clean towel or air dryer. She also recommended using a towel to turn off the faucet to prevent recontamination. Mr. Bantiu Cabral Vwawojei, the Acting Municipal Health Director, highlighted the importance of proper handwashing in reducing and preventing diseases in communities. He encouraged residents to apply the knowledge gained from the exercise in their daily routines to mitigate the burden of diseases in the Manyoro community. Pe Professor Felix Achana, Sub-Chief of the Manyoro Sakuniah community, praised the health directorate and WaterAid Ghana for educating the community on handwashing practices. He acknowledged ongoing efforts to upgrade the community's clinic into a health center and urged for expedited action to enhance healthcare services. Pe Clement Atudipare, representing the Manyoro paramount chief , expressed gratitude for the support received in organizing the event. He stressed the significance of regular handwashing demonstrations and encouraged continued community engagement in hygiene practices. However, he also highlighted challenges posed by the poor condition of roads, including broken bridges which hinder healthcare delivery, and appealed for assistance from the government, NGOs, and philanthropists.