Hand washing is a crucial tool in preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause infections. It is for this fact that the world annually commemorates Global Handwashing Day every October 15, to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing.
It is an international handwashing promotion campaign that focuses on motivating and mobilizing people to improve their handwashing habits.
It is an initiative that aims on fostering and supporting a general handwashing culture with soap in all communities. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Unite for universal hand hygiene.”
Global handwashing day was founded by the Global Handwashing Partnership. The first handwashing day was held in 2008 when in more than 70 countries, over 120 million children washed their hands with soap at vital moments.
Since then, this day has grown and has been supported by governments, schools, NGOs, private companies and more.
National leaders have spread awareness on the importance of washing ing hands with soap, building sinks and easing the access to clean water.
It is of utmost vitality to wash your hands
Before, during and after food preparation
Before and after: Eating food
Caring for the sickly
Treating a wound or cut
Changing diapers
After using the toilet.
Handwashing steps include;
With running water, wet your hands and apply any kind of clean soap.
Rub your hands together to lather them, to the back, wrists, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
Scrub them for at least 20 seconds.
Rinse well again with running water.
Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
On this global handwashing day, observe hygiene by washing your hands with soap and making it a habit. This will help to improve the overall healthcare quality and safety.
BY CHRISTINE OMONDI