By Fatima Jamil Ahmad
The global community marked Global Hand washing Day 2024 yesterday, with public health experts calling for increased awareness and improved infrastructure to support hand hygiene, particularly in vulnerable populations. Speaking to our correspondent, Dr. Hassan Shu’aib Musa, a public health expert and consultant at the National Health Insurance Authority, Bauchi State Office, stressed the importance of hand washing in preventing common infections and reducing healthcare costs. He noted that hand washing could significantly reduce diarrheal diseases by 50% and respiratory infections by 25%, but despite its benefits, many people still lack access to basic hygiene facilities.
Dr. Hassan pointed out that globally, over 2 billion people do not have access to soap and clean water at home. More concerning is the fact that 800 million children worldwide attend schools without proper hand washing facilities. These gaps, he said, pose serious health risks, particularly to children and other vulnerable groups. The origins of Global Hand washing Day date back to 2008 when the Global Hand washing Partnership established the day to raise awareness about the crucial role of hand hygiene in public health. This year’s celebration, he explained, was marked by workshops and community activities aimed at promoting a culture of hand washing in schools, workplaces, and homes.
However, Dr. Hassan outlined several barriers to the widespread adoption of proper hand washing practices. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of access to clean water and soap, particularly in rural areas. Even when water is available, many communities do not have access to soap or detergents. He added that there is also insufficient education about the importance of hand hygiene, and certain cultural practices that do not prioritize cleanliness, such as frequent handshakes with unwashed hands, further exacerbate the issue.
In his remarks, Dr. Hassan detailed the proper steps for effective hand washing, stressing the importance of using running water, applying soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, and ensuring that all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned. Proper rinsing and drying, preferably with a clean towel or dryer, complete the process. He emphasized that these simple steps can go a long way in preventing illnesses caused by bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which are common agents of gastrointestinal diseases such as typhoid. Regular hand washing also plays a critical role in preventing respiratory infections and curbing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which has become a growing global concern.
Dr. Hassan also used the occasion to call for greater political commitment to promote hygiene practices. He suggested the need for a National Hand washing Roadmap that could be integrated into school curricula, ensuring that children are taught the importance of cleanliness from an early age. He urged the government, traditional leaders, and the media to work together in running behavioral change campaigns that would encourage the adoption of hand washing practices across all sectors of society.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluating any policies implemented to promote hand hygiene, ensuring that these campaigns are effective in the long run. He highlighted that addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance requires urgent attention and stressed that regular hand washing is a critical step in preventing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria and protecting public health.
Observed annually on October 15, Global Hand washing Day continues to serve as a reminder of the essential role of hygiene in preventing diseases and promoting health worldwide.