Did you know that today is ‘Clean Hands Day’?

Across the world, an initiative called Global Handwashing Day is celebrated every year on October 15.

If you do not feel like reading a long version, read this quick guide HERE

Its purpose is to mobilise communities, households, schools and workplaces to wash hands with soaps to control diarrhea and other related diseases. Teaching ourselves about handwashing helps us and our communities to stay healthy, and it is a win for everyone and a defeat for germs.

Hands help us unimaginably with everyday duties and it is very important for us to keep them clean.

Washing them is like a do-it-yourself remedy that involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry). Everybody can do this to reduce the spread of illnesses to maintain a healthy status. We have seen people in some countries being exposed to many diseases that are transferred though dirty hands (diarrhea, polio, typhoid and even hepatitis A)

Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is the best ways to fight germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, simple and can keep us away from getting sick even during these dry times.

Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and water. People touch their eyes, nose and mouth without even realising it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, and make us sick.

Germs from dirty hands can get into foods and drinks while we prepare or consume them. They can also multiply in some types of foods or drinks, under certain conditions, and make people sick.

Washing of hands is advisable before and after numerous activities, even in this water scarcity we are facing. A small portion of water can be very useful, while others may use hand sanitizers. Highlighted below are activities we need to wash our hands before, during or after.

• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

With the adoption of the good mentality of washing hands regularly, the health of children improves and in turn improves their performance at school. Workers’ productivity levels improve when they are healthy, and absenteeism decreases.

If we, as people, move together and improve our actions, society will be free from diseases and the world will become a better place to live in.

Read our editorial note, about the drought

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