On the occasion of the fifth Global Handwashing Day, the increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of hand washing has shown positive results, as seen in the data collected by UNICEF. In 2011, around six lakh children under the age of five died of infectious diseases when compared to 2008, when the first Global Hand Washing Day was observed.
Hand washing with soap has an important role to play in the survival of children. This simple, every day action can effectively reduce incidences of diarrhoea among children under five years of age to almost 50 per cent and curb respiratory infection by up to 25 per cent, according to studies.
“According to the public health association, only 53 per cent of the people in India wash hands after defecation, 38 per cent wash hands before eating, and only 30 per cent wash hands before preparing food. This gives an idea of how germs and infections are spread,” said one of the representatives of UNICEF. Many people believe that if their hands look clean they cannot fall sick and that water alone is sufficient to remove the visible dirt from the hands. However, washing hands without soap is far less effective in removing germs. Microscopic analysis shows that seemingly clean hands carry many germs, but can make a person fall sick.
He also added that students can be prime germ transmitters. “Students can easily transmit infection. School students are exposed to many people throughout the day. When their hands are not clean, students can inadvertently transmit germs to other students and teachers with whom they come into contact.”
“UNICEF has been collaborating with the departments of rural development and Panchayat Raj, school education, health department and social welfare and nutritious meal programme to observe Global Hand washing Day, in line with the guidelines issued by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India. UNICEF has supported programs on media sensitisation and increased attention on hand washing practices through media,” says Krithika, who is part of UNICEF.
