The Vital Role of Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the simplest, most effective methods to prevent the spread of illnesses and infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), handwashing can reduce the risk of diarrhoeal diseases by 30-48% and respiratory infections by 20%.

The hands are a common vector for transmitting pathogens and throughout the day, they come into contact with various surfaces that may be contaminated with bacteria and viruses and are used when we visit the toilet. By touching our eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands, we can introduce these germs into our bodies, leading to infections such as the common cold, flu and more severe diseases like norovirus, salmonella and E. coli.

Guide to Effective Handwashing

Handwashing with soap and water works by physically removing germs from the skin. When you wash your hands, the soap helps to break down oil-based membranes surrounding bacteria and viruses. Scrubbing hands together also creates friction, which helps lift dirt and pathogens from the skin. Rinsing with water then removes these germs from the skin entirely.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (preferably warm) and apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.
2. Rub your hands palm to palm to create a good lather.
3. Interlace your fingers and rub your hands together, washing both the palms and backs of your hands in this manner.
4. Wash your left thumb with your right hand and vice versa.
5. Be sure to clean the backs of your fingers and fingernails by rubbing them in to the opposing palm.
6. Rinse your hands thoroughly with clean running water. It's important to use running water to remove all traces of soap and loosened germs.
7. Dry your hands completely with a clean towel or air dryer. Wet hands transfer viruses more easily, so drying is a crucial step in the handwashing process.

The entire handwashing process should take about 15-20 seconds. Remember, handwashing is especially important at key times, such as before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, after touching animals or animal waste, and when caring for others.

Handwashing is a simple, low-cost intervention that has the potential to save lives by preventing the spread of infections – by making handwashing a regular part of our daily routines, we can all contribute to a reduction in disease transmission and create a safer, healthier world for everyone.