By Hassan Hussain
The Pan-African Industrial Cleaning Academy, PAICA, has called for the inclusion of professionally trained cleaners and hygiene practitioners in Nigeria’s Ebola preparedness and response strategies.
The Founder and Registrar of the Academy, Ambassador Olubunmi Dayo Fagburiyo, made the call at a stakeholders’ engagement on Ebola preparedness and response in Abuja.
Ambassador Fagburiyo stressed that professional cleaning goes beyond the use of mops, buckets and detergents, noting that specialised training is essential for effective disinfection, prevention of cross-contamination and protection of public health.
He explained that untrained cleaners could inadvertently spread infections by using the same cleaning equipment in toilets, kitchens and living spaces.
The PAICA founder emphasised that trained cleaning practitioners understand the proper use of disinfectants, chemical dilution ratios, contact time and personal protective equipment required for safe decontamination.
He described cleaners as critical but often overlooked frontline workers during disease outbreaks, urging government agencies, healthcare institutions and development partners to integrate them into emergency response plans.
Ambassador Fagburiyo identified inadequate training, poor professional recognition and weak coordination among stakeholders as major gaps that must be addressed to strengthen the country’s preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.
He also advocated improved remuneration and certification for cleaning practitioners, saying professionalising the sector would enhance hygiene standards and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The PAICA founder disclosed that the Academy is prepared to deploy rapid-response training teams across Abuja to equip personnel in hospitals, isolation centres, hotels, transport hubs and other public institutions with safe decontamination skills.
He pledged the Academy’s readiness to collaborate with government agencies and development partners to expand professional cleaning training nationwide, with the long-term goal of establishing its presence in all states of the federation.
In his remarks, the Head of the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, Professor Francis Origa, urged Nigerians to embrace proper hygiene and environmental cleanliness to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including Ebola.
Professor Origa observed that frequently touched surfaces, such as stair railings in offices, could become sources of contamination if not regularly cleaned and disinfected.
He therefore encouraged Nigerians to practise regular handwashing and sanitisation, particularly before and after physical contact with others.
The humanitarian expert described the Academy’s initiative as timely, stressing that public awareness, personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are essential components of effective disease prevention.
Professor Origa commended the organisation for promoting professional cleaning standards and called for the expansion of its advocacy beyond Ebola to make hygiene an integral part of everyday life.
He also urged Nigerians to maintain clean surroundings and undertake appropriate pest control and environmental sanitation measures when necessary.
Professor Origa maintained that sustained attention to hygiene and sanitation would promote healthier communities, improve life expectancy and contribute to national development.
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