If it takes you a minute to think if your hands are clean, take a minute and clean them! – Dr Nkatha Gitonga

Did you know that hand hygiene is the primary measure to prevent infections?

Effective cleaning of hands takes about 20- 30 seconds

This article aims to sensitize our communities that improving hand-washing and general hand hygiene practices is a critical measure for disease prevention.

Parents, did you know that teaching your children how to wash their hands at an early age can create a lifelong healthy habit? Why not try singing a song that last 30 seconds to reinforce the habit.

Many diseases and conditions can be spread in the community as a result of people not washing their hands properly with soap and water. Germs causing diarrhoea and vomiting, are transmitted from poorly washed or unwashed hands; particularly after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.

Moments for hand washing

• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before eating or feeding your child
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting and diarrhoea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the bathroom, changing a diaper or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed or waste
• After touching garbage
• • After visiting a healthcare facility (Note: use the provided alcohol-based hand sanitisers while moving around the health-care facility)

   

  Hand hygiene tips:

  • Carry alcohol-based hand sanitisers (which contain at least 60% alcohol content) for the moments when soap and water are not accessible. Remember this should not replace soap and water!
  • Frequently missed areas when washing hands are the thumbs, fingertips and between your fingers
  • Do not feel shy asking your healthcare professional to clean their hands before examining you. Ask for clean hands it is your right!

   

  The World Health Organisation’s 7 steps to Washing your Hands Properly are as follows:

  Step 1 – Wet your hands and apply enough soap (coin size)

  Step 2 – Rub your palms together

  Step 3 – Rub the back of each hand

  Step 4 – Rub both your hands while interlocking your fingers

  Step 5 – Rub the back of your fingers and the tips of your fingers

  Step 6 – Rub your thumbs and the ends of your wrists

  Step 7 – Rinse both hands properly with water

   

  Clean hands – saves lives!