Practice proper hand hygiene and raise awareness of disease prevention.

In response to World Hand Hygiene Day, Hoan My Minh Hai Hospital recently collaborated with Nguyen Dinh Chieu Primary School to organize a school health counseling program on the theme "Proper Hand Hygiene and Proper Nutrition for Primary School Students," attracting more than 3,000 students.

Amidst the unusual weather patterns of alternating hot and rainy days in Southern Vietnam, the increased risk of infectious diseases in schools is a significant concern. According to the World Health Organization, proper handwashing with soap can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by 30-40% and respiratory infections by about 20% – common illnesses among school-aged children.

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health also notes that diseases such as hand, foot and mouth disease, diarrhea, and seasonal influenza still appear sporadically every year, especially in school environments if personal hygiene is not ensured.

Given this reality, the program is organized not only to provide knowledge but also to change the behavior of students , a vulnerable group who are also receptive to and capable of forming positive habits.

During the consultation, Dr. Nguyen Viet Thanh , Head of the Pediatrics Unit at Hoan My Minh Hai Hospital, shared: Proper handwashing is a simple yet highly effective measure in disease prevention . If children maintain this habit daily, the risk of disease transmission in schools will be significantly reduced.

The highlight of the program was the instruction and practice of the five steps of proper handwashing as recommended by the World Health Organization. Students practiced directly under the guidance of healthcare professionals, naturally and vividly memorizing the skills. Beyond a professional approach, the program also received positive feedback from parents and students. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a parent of a third-grade student, shared: "At home, I remind my child to wash their hands regularly , but they haven't been able to do it correctly and completely . After this session, my child taught the whole family, which I found very meaningful."

Fourth-grade student Tran Minh Khang excitedly said: "What I liked most was practicing handwashing. Before, I just washed my hands superficially, but now I know I have to follow all the steps to get rid of all the bacteria."

Ms. Nguyen Hoa Le, an employee of Hoan My Minh Hai Hospital, said that the hospital will continue to cooperate with the local education sector, promoting health education and communication activities , especially programs aimed at children , who need comprehensive protection and care . Introducing health education into schools is a necessary direction, contributing to building a safe school environment and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.

In the context of a still-present risk of disease , forming small habits like proper handwashing not only helps individuals protect themselves but also contributes to protecting the community . This, in turn, builds a foundation for sustainable health starting in the school environment.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/ve-sinh-tay-dung-cach-nang-cao-y-thuc-phong-benh-299739