Clean hands to avoid illness

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Extract from the article: Chaque 15 octobre, le monde entier célèbre la Journée mondiale du lavage des mains. Un geste quotidien qui a pourtant des conséquences majeures sur la santé. Les mains, vecteurs de milliers de germes, sont responsables de la propagation de nombreuses

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Every 15 October, the whole world celebrates Global Handwashing Day. It's an everyday gesture, but one that has a major impact on our health. Hands carry thousands of germs, and are responsible for the spread of many infections. That's why, this year, 2024, the theme of the day is more relevant than ever: «Why is it always important to have clean hands? »

It's usually because of germs on their hands that children catch illnesses such as colds, gastroenteritis and flu. Regular hand washing with soap and water can reduce diarrhoeal infections by 40% and respiratory infections by 21%. Statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) speak for themselves: 80% of infections are transmitted by the hands. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 15% to 25% of people wash their hands exclusively with soap.

To mark Global Handwashing Day, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AAEA) has issued a reminder of the crucial importance of this simple gesture for public health. Under the theme «Why is hand washing important», the AAEA highlighted the considerable benefits of this practice in preventing disease and protecting communities, particularly in Africa.

Moreover, washing hands with soap can halve the risk of diarrhoea in toddlers under 5. Worldwide, diarrhoea remains the second leading cause of death in children under 5. It causes 600,000 child deaths every year, and in more than 1.7 billion cases, diarrhoeal diseases are also associated with a higher risk of stunting (underweight for age and delayed development) and represent an enormous burden for society. Yet handwashing with soap is one of the simplest and least expensive barriers to infection.

The AAEA's Executive Director, Olivier Gosso, stressed that handwashing with soap and water remains an essential preventive measure, despite its simplistic appearance. «In Africa, where access to drinking water and sanitation is still limited in some regions, hand-washing could significantly reduce the number of cases of diarrhoeal and respiratory diseases», he said. Faced with these alarming figures, the AAEA is taking concrete action on the ground to improve access to drinking water and hand-washing facilities, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is often deficient.

Moreover, washing hands with soap can halve the risk of diarrhoea in toddlers under 5.Worldwide, diarrhoea remains the second leading cause of death in children under 5.It causes 600,000 child deaths every year, and in more than 1.7 billion cases, diarrhoeal diseases are also associated with a higher risk of stunting (underweight for age and delayed development) and represent an enormous burden for society.

Whether at home, at work, at school or in public places, washing hands before eating or after defecation considerably reduces the spread of diarrhoeal diseases and has a major impact on the health and well-being of children and communities. This simple gesture is within everyone's reach and can save lives.

Elom AKAKPO & Esther KOLANI (Intern)