Handwashing key to public health

MANILA, Philippines – As the global community grapples with the threat of a pandemic caused by the influenza A(H1N1) virus, individuals can help prevent infection by taking simple steps like handwashing with soap.

The great value to improved public health of meticulous handwashing with soap – a very ordinary act with extraordinary results for children’s’ health, growth and development – was highlighted in the 2009 launch of Global Handwashing Day, celebrated recently at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Global Handwashing Day is an outcome of the International Year of Sanitation initiated by the United Nations Secretary-General Advisory Board (UNSGAB), chaired by Prince Willem-Alexander of Netherlands. The Manila event was organized by Olivia LaO Castillo, member of the UNSGAB.

The next Global Handwashing Day event will be held on May 14, 2 p.m. at The Podium in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Global Handwashing Day is usually commemorated in October and is held in 76 countries, with the participation of 250 million children. The campaign aims to motivate and mobilize millions around the world to wash their hands with soap, and is dedicated to raising awareness of handwashing with soap as a key approach to disease prevention and a healthy hygienic life.

The campaign aims to reduce mortality rates related to diarrhea diseases by introducing simple behavioral changes, such as hand washing with soap, which according to research can reduce mortality rates by almost 50 percent. Handwashing with soap has also been determined to be an effective and inexpensive way to prevent acute respiratory infections (ARI), such as the A(H1N1) influenza virus.

Among those who attended the event were lsabela Governor Grace Padaca, former Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Bebet Gozun, the Netherlands Ambassador Robert Brinks, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Delia Albert, Teresita Choa of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Frank Beaumont of Manila Water, Ambassador Jose Zaide, and Unilever VP for Corporate Affairs Chito Macapagal.