Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 15: On Global Handwashing Day, doctors highlighted the vital role of clean hands in promoting health and preventing disease.
Several physicians said that proper handwashing reduces the spread of infectious diseases.
Dr Haroon, a general physician at DHSK, said that this year’s theme, “Clean Hands, Healthier Lives”, underscores the importance of hand hygiene in achieving better health outcomes. He said the day aims to encourage individuals, communities, and organisations to adopt good handwashing habits and incorporate them into daily routines.
“Handwashing is a powerful tool in preventing a range of illnesses, including infections,” Dr Haroon said, adding that effective handwashing can mitigate the spread of diseases like COVID-19, cholera and diarrhoea, which contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality.
Dr Mushtaq, another physician at DHSK, said handwashing is especially crucial at critical moments, such as before meals, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. “Children who regularly wash their hands with soap are less likely to experience illnesses like diarrhoea and respiratory infections, resulting in fewer missed school days and a healthier learning environment,” he said.
To promote proper handwashing techniques, doctors said that awareness campaigns, educational workshops and community engagement activities are being organised. They said that by making handwashing a daily habit and ensuring access to necessary resources, we can work towards a healthier and more resilient world.
The doctors called for collaboration among government, NGOs and community leaders to advocate for improved access to clean water, sanitation, and handwashing facilities.
