COVID -19 AND HAND WASHING: THE IGBO CULTURE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The novel corona virus (covid-19) is a pandemic which was first reported by the officials in Wuhan City, China, in December, 2019. Since the outbreak, the pandemic has torched and ravaged almost all the countries of the world, including those of the African Continent. Hand washing has remained prominent amongst all the safety measures recommended by the World Health Organization, and other health institutions, to prevent Covid-19 infection. This paper recalls therefore, that hand washing, which is being preached presently as a basic safety measure, in the wake of Covid 19 pandemic, has been there, as part of the Igbo and African Cultural values, unfortunately, people have neglected this cultural good practice and waited for World Health Organization, UNICEF and other government agencies, to remind them, before they put it into practice, even when it is for their personal safety and protection. This paper contends that if the hand washing and cleanliness culture of the Igbo is adequately propagated, it will go a long way in protecting the people from diseases and untimely death. This paper will benefit the general public, especially teachers and care givers, at this period of covid 19 pandemic and always. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) of Albert Bandura was adopted to ex- ray the culture of cleanliness and hand washing in Igbo culture, reasons for hand washing, the benefits and the state of hand washing in the present Igbo society. The paper exposed numerous benefits of hand washing and general cleanliness, which include,- prevention of diseases, Covid 19 inclusive, and recommends the revitalization of the Igbo culture of hand washing and cleanliness, in such a way that people will be sensitized to take initiative of doing the right thing at the right time, instead of waiting for the government or the World Health Organization to remind them to do the needful.