Regular handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal disease by up to 48%. This is according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) as Wednesday marks Global Handwashing Day.
The theme for 2025 is ‘It Might Be Gloves. It's Always Hand
Hygiene,’ which emphasises that while protective barriers like gloves or other
devices might provide some protection, they are no substitute for correct hand
hygiene. Germs will still propagate through dirty gloves, contaminated
surfaces, or incorrect use. The theme urges people, healthcare workers, and society
as a whole to remember that hand hygiene is the ultimate protection against
infection in any environment and circumstance.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is
highlighting how hand washing with soap protects millions of people from deadly
diseases and strengthens communities around the globe.
‘’A simple act that takes less than a minute can be the
difference between life and death. Yet billions of people around the world
still don't have access to basic hand washing facilities at home, at school, or
in their local health clinic,’’ it said.
‘’Clean hands are not a luxury – they are a fundamental
human right. When we invest in handwashing, we invest in healthier children,
stronger economies, and more resilient communities.’’ said Alexandra Machado,
IFRC Senior Officer for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Public Health.
The City of Cape Town reminded the public that cases of
diarrhoeal disease typically increase, as we head into the warmer months, so proper
hygiene remains crucial.
Handwashing can also reduce the risk of contracting colds
and flu by 20%.
‘’Handwashing was a critical weapon during the Covid-19
pandemic. However, since those restrictions eased, we’ve seen a relaxation too
in the hygiene habits that became routine during the pandemic. Let Global
Handwashing Day be a reminder to us all of the power of clean hands.
Handwashing with soap is an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases,’’
said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and
Health.
Reacting to this year’s theme, Higham said the increased
use of disposable gloves equals increased waste.
‘’The use of gloves in health settings is well established,
but it comes with very strict protocols. In recent years, the use of gloves in
food handling has become more topical and somewhat contentious. The fact is
that gloves too can become contaminated, posing the same risks as dirty hands.
So ultimately, effective handwashing before, during and after handling food, is
the safest option.’’
Done By: Mitchum George
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