By Stella Kabruk

 Dr Ishaya Kato-Auta, the Kaduna State Chapter Chairman of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, on Friday urged residents to improve hygiene to avoid neglected illnesses.

Auta spoke during a walk show to mark the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day in Kaduna.

He said improved hygiene among residents, including personal habits and sanitary living conditions, is critical to preventing the spread of diseases.

He said hygiene significantly enhances quality of life by boosting self-esteem, increasing comfort, reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring dignity.

According to him, consistent and improved hygiene is essential for community health and for reducing infection risks.

He added that hygienic environments, including proper waste management, decrease the prevalence of vectors and pathogens.

“If you protect yourself by maintaining good hygiene, then you have 50 per cent control of disease.

“This is why every year we go out to sensitise our communities about these neglected tropical diseases and how to prevent them.

“The first step starts with us, and that is why we have to learn how to stay healthy, because prevention is better than cure and treatment is expensive.”