Keep hands clean, prevent many diseases

Global Handwashing Day October 15 is an occasion to remind everyone: Disease prevention begins with the hands. Each small action has a big effect on community health.

Children at Nam Thai A Kindergarten, Dong Thai Commune are instructed by teachers to wash their hands with soap. Photo: VI AN

Many people often have the habit of touching their eyes, nose, mouth, etc. with their hands, and germs can enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth, making us sick. Germs from unwashed hands can enter food and drinks while preparing or eating or drinking; and can be transmitted through other objects such as: holding handrails, touching or grasping tabletops, toys, etc., then transferring to other people's hands.

According to Dr. Tran The Vinh - Director of the Provincial Center for Disease Control, washing hands with soap helps remove germs on hands to prevent infectious diseases. Many studies show that washing hands with soap at important times such as before meals or after using the toilet can prevent the spread of many pathogens. Washing hands with soap also reduces nearly 50% of cases of diarrhea, more than 25% of cases of respiratory infections, reduces 15% of cases of stunting in children under 5 years old; at the same time, reduces the risk of hand, foot and mouth disease, flu...

If bacteria, viruses or disease-causing parasites on a person’s hands enter the mouth, they can travel down to the intestines. Here, they can directly absorb nutrients before the body can use them, leading to malnutrition. Therefore, hand washing with soap is an important factor in achieving and maintaining good nutrition, preventing micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition in children. If a child is malnourished, it can hinder cognitive development, putting them at a disadvantage compared to their peers.

In order to promote the propaganda about the benefits of washing hands with soap, the health station coordinated with primary schools, kindergartens and preschools in the area to organize propaganda sessions for students about the benefits of washing hands regularly with soap, and instruct them on how to wash their hands properly. Many schools and childcare centers arranged hand washing areas and prepared soap to help students and children. Mr. Duong Thuan Tan - Head of An Hoa Health Station said: "The station assigned 1 officer in charge of the school health program to regularly coordinate with 2 primary schools, 3 kindergartens and 15 childcare centers to propagate disease prevention measures, focusing on instructing teachers, students and children to wash their hands properly and when it is necessary to wash their hands to prevent diseases that can be transmitted from unwashed hands."

Hand washing with soap is a simple, effective and economical measure in preventing and fighting infectious diseases. “Working in the health sector, I am well aware of the importance of keeping my hands clean. Not only do I do it seriously at work, I also maintain the habit of hand hygiene in my family. I place hand sanitizer right in front of the house for family members to use when they return home. In addition, I leave soap in the bathroom and kitchen area to facilitate hand washing, contributing to preventing the spread of infectious diseases,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung, resident of Rach Gia ward.

Healthcare workers come into contact with many different patients, instruments and environments, so if they do not properly clean their hands, they can inadvertently transmit pathogens. Therefore, healthcare facilities pay attention to infection control, especially keeping hands clean. In order to improve knowledge and practical skills in infection control, Kien Giang Oncology Hospital organized a ceremony to launch the 2025 hand hygiene campaign with the theme "Gloves do not replace hand hygiene".

Dr. Nguyen Van Lap - Deputy Director of Kien Giang Oncology Hospital said: "The hand hygiene campaign is one of the hospital's typical annual activities to promote compliance among medical staff, patients and their families, raise awareness of the importance of hand hygiene in disease prevention and control, reduce the risk of cross-infection and prevent hospital infections". In addition, the hospital also organized a training session on "Hand hygiene, central disinfection - sterilization and medical waste management" to help medical staff consolidate knowledge, raise awareness and practical skills in daily infection control.

VI AN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/giu-ban-tay-sach-phong-nhieu-benh-a463961.html