KMU hosts speech competition in observance of Global Handwashing Day

The Watson Cell Local Council Board of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar in celebration of Global Handwashing Day organized second inter-university speech competition centered around the theme of "Hygiene and Climate Change."   

Students from 16 universities across the province participated, with 31 contestants competing in both English and Urdu categories. The purpose of Global Handwashing Day, observed annually on October 15, is to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene as a cornerstone of public health.

In the English category, Laiba Yousaf of City University secured first place, followed by Nawal Sohail from Iqra National University in second place, and Abdul Basit from Sarhad University in third. In the Urdu category, Ayesha from City University claimed the top spot, while Samaya Zahoor Khan from Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, took second, and Muhammad Wasif Bilal from Khushal Khan University, Karak, and Maqbool Ahmed from Sarhad University tied for third place.

 The competition topics highlighted the significance of handwashing, the effects of climate change, global warming, and the role of public engagement in addressing these global challenges. The event’s Chief Guest, KMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Ziaul Haq, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of cleanliness and hygiene in the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases. He also underscored the importance of youth involvement in public health initiatives to foster a culture of hygiene and disease prevention.

Muhammad Samiullah, Coordinator of the Watson Cell, Local Government KP, was another prominent speaker. He elaborated on the crucial role of hygiene in building a healthy society and called for ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about cleanliness.

The competition concluded with a lively awards ceremony, where shields and certificates were presented to the winners in recognition of their outstanding performances. The event attracted significant participation from administrative officers, faculty members, and students from across the province, reflecting the collective commitment of educational institutions to promoting vital public health issues.