LIKE many other developing countries, Pakistan has a serious hygiene problem, especially in the case of toilets. It is hard to find a clean washroom in educational institutions, hospitals, restaurants and even corporate offices.

And there seems to be no difference between educated and uneducated people when it comes to poor hygiene. Both segments are careless about cleanliness in public washrooms. Apparently, they leave their good habits at home when they step out.

On its part, the media has paid due coverage to hygiene and numerous advertisements can be seen related to hand-washing. Still, the situation of hygiene and sanitation remains equally alarming in public places.

Even in schools, students face a scarcity of adequate lavatory facilities. The situation in flagship campuses of leading school brands and chains located in posh localities across the country is no different. Washrooms lack paper towels, soap, handwash or wipes. Dirty sinks and running water faucets are a common sight. One can well imagine what the hygiene situation is like in public-sector schools.

A recent report highlighted that nearly 40 per cent children avoid using a school toilet. It is a dangerous trend, as it can lead to a serious issue known as the dysfunctional elimination syndrome (DES) which covers all patterns of relieving oneself that are abnormal. These patterns can eventually lead to infections and other complications inside the human body.

How can we expect a change in society when our students are either unaware of good toileting habits or have no access to clean and functional toilets?

The importance of teaching hygiene in schools is often overlooked. We must remember that behaviour modification is a prerequisite to ensuring a change in attitude. Teachers should play their due role in this regard and inculcate a habit of cleanliness in their students. The school administration should also ensure clean washrooms for students, teachers and other staff members. Schools should have adequate janitorial staff to maintain cleanliness and renovate washrooms when needed to provide a supportive environment for adopting healthy behaviour.

Shahzadi Siddiqa Kayani
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2022