But one of the most fundamental practices individuals can adopt to shield themselves from Covid-19 – thorough hand washing – remains inaccessible for many millions. Sam Godfrey, Unicef chief of water and sanitation in east and southern Africa, said communities lack easily accessible running water, are unable to buy soap or do not realise its vital role in preventing illness. In sub-Saharan Africa, 63 percent of people in urban areas – 258 million people – lack access to hand washing, according to the UNICEF figures. Experts hope that the pandemic will also sharpen governments' focus on sanitation and reinforce the message that hand washing saves lives. Mathare slum fishmonger Scholarstica Atieno said he saw no need for hand washing.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 20, 2020 18:00 UTC