NGO donates 25 units of hand washing facilities to Kebbi market
(APFSAN), donated 25 units of hand washing facilities to Birnin Kebbi Central Market and sensitized vendors and consumers on the importance of hygienic food in the market.
APFSAN is one of four interventions for the Feed the Future EatSafe (Evidence and Action Towards Safe, Nutritious Food) program implemented in Kebbi and Sokoto States by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) with funding from USAID.
Mr Ibrahim Isyaku, the GAIN-EatSafe Research Associate in the state, stated while distributing the facilities in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday that APFSAN was inaugurated on 8 September 2022 by the Eatsafe Programme in Nigeria.
Isyaku also explained that the objective of establishing the APFSAN was to promote Food Safety and improved nutrition outcomes through advocacy, sensitizations, training, and awareness of the importance of food safety in traditional market settings in the state.
“The association encourages and improves the demand for and consumption of safe and nutritious foods by consumers in the state.
” It organizes and executes programs such as workshops, and seminars on food safety among farmers, food vendors, consumers, processors, and other actors in the food value chain.
“The facilities are provided to improve hand washing and personal hygiene practices among vendors and consumers in the market as proper hand washing is one of the most effective ways of reducing cross-contamination of the foods we handle and consume daily.
“The primary objective is to promote food safety in traditional markets as most foodborne illnesses are caused by the consumption of unsafe and contaminated food.”
He further stressed that the food borne diseases resulting from consuming unsafe food could affect nutrient intake and metabolism which could negatively impact a variety of human health outcomes and have lifelong effects.
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“Many nutrient-dense foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables vegetable and animal source food, can carry food-borne pathogens,” the coordinator said.
Earlier, Mr. Joel Aiki, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Agriculture, commended APFSAN for their support in providing the facilities and creating awareness among marketers, consumers, and society on safe and hygienic food.
“We thank you for partnering with the state government and for adding a lot of value to the people of the state. The government will continue to be happy because the resources available to the government cannot cater to everything.
“When we have interventions from the private sector, it would go a long way in complementing the efforts of the government.
“The facilities will promote proper hand washing in the market, by washing your hands, you have eliminated a large percentage of the pathogens that cause illnesses,” he said.
Alhaji Aminu Umar, the General Manager of Birnin Kebbi Central Market, thanked GAIN, EatSafe-and APFSAN for the provision of the facilities and for sensitizing the public on the significance of safe foods for optimal nutrition and well-being in the state.
