AKIPRESS.COM - As schools worldwide struggle with reopening, the latest data from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) reveal that 13 per cent of schools across Uzbekistan lacked access to basic handwashing with soap and water in 2019 – a key condition for schools to be able to operate safely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only 83 per cent of schools in Uzbekistan had basic access to clean drinking water and 78 per cent had access to basic sanitation facilities.

“According to official data, closure of school in Uzbekistan affected continuity of education for more than 8 million children. Now, when Government of Uzbekistan plans to re-open schools in a gradual phased out manner, school re-openings must be safe and consistent with the country’s overall COVID-19 health response, with all reasonable measures taken to protect students, staff, teachers and their families,” said Sascha Graumann, Representative, UNICEF Uzbekistan.

“Before school re-opening, it is important to ensure that the schools have all necessary water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in place in adequate numbers and of good quality and that cleaning and disinfecting practices are in place in order to offer students a safe and secure conducive environment for learning,” he added.