Zambia on Thursday joined the rest of the world in commemorating the Global Handwashing Day with the government projecting to increase access to handwashing services to 100 percent from the current 14 percent.

Minister of Water Development, Sanitation and Environmental Protection Jonas Chanda said this will be achieved through various interventions being undertaken by the government.

Speaking during the commemoration held under the theme, "Hand Hygiene for All", which was held virtually, the Zambian minister said the government was undertaking improvement of water and sanitation infrastructure which would improve access to hand washing services.

He further called for enhanced public awareness to promote personal hygiene through handwashing.

According to him, handwashing was important in helping prevent the spread of diseases especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Zambia Coumba Mar Gadio praised Zambia for strides made in improving the water sector.

She further pledged the UN's continued support to help Zambia attain global goals of ensuring improved access to water and sanitation services.