PESHAWAR, March 11: The sanitation week observed in Mardan to promote safe hygienic practices among people concluded on Sunday.

During the week the district administration focused on linkages between waterborne diseases and the problem of insanitation.

A press release issued by the district government said that various events were organised between March 5 and 11 which highlighted the importance of proper use of latrines, safe excreta disposal, hand-washing with soap and use of safe drinking water.

Unicef and the rural development department supported the administration in organising the events which included walks, cleanliness campaigns and special sessions on hygiene for men, women and children.

Banners, posters and other communication materials on health and hygiene were displayed at various places in the district.

Football and cricket matches were held and videos on latrine construction and hygiene practises were shown to people. Special programmes were broadcast on radio.

Religious scholars and imams highlighted the theme of the sanitation week during daily prayers and Friday sermons.

Mardan District Nazim Himayatullah Mayar said the sanitation week created public awareness about the importance of improved sanitation and hygiene.

He said that the district government would use the momentum generated by sanitation week to further the sanitation agenda and creation of healthy environment for people, especially women and children.

It may be mentioned that the lack of safe hygiene practises in Pakistan is considered to be among the key reasons for high rate of water and sanitation related diseases.

The national sanitation policy approved by the federal cabinet in 2006 envisions creation of an open defecation free environment with safe disposal of liquid and solid waste and the promotion of health and hygiene practises in the country.

Changing the attitude and behaviour on the use of sanitation and increasing the mass awareness on sanitation and community mobilisation are among the key objectives of the sanitation policy, said the nazim.