Hand wash and save health is the most cost-effective intervention to decrease the mortality and morbidity of the children and adults alike in our societies. Yet this most economical intervention to save our life has not become our habit. This refusal or denial of handwashing is equally prevalent in educated, non-educated or affluent and poor communities.
The Helping Hands Foundation has decided to be the torch-bearer for this uphill task to make it a national habit to minimize the diseases in our communities.
Being Muslim, Cleanliness is part of our faith and according of the saying of the holy prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Cleanliness is half the faith. The Islam has taught us to be clean more than any agency or organization. Once we don’t obey the commandments of Allah, then we have to resort to the scientific facts and agencies.
The facts about handwashing are:
- It is most cost-effective intervention to decrease the mortality/ morbidity.
- It decreases the transmission of the disease.
- It decreases the emergence of the Multi drug resistance in the germs.
- It saves the cost treatment of the people and so makes them more prosper.
Handwashing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the majority of child deaths. Every year, more than 3.5 million children do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday because of diarrhea and pneumonia. Yet, despite its lifesaving potential, handwashing with soap is seldom practiced and not always easy to promote.
Through its Hand-WASH (Hand wash and save health) program, the Helping Hands Foundation is determined to make it a priority for people.
The UN General Assembly has announced 15th October, as the Global Handwashing Day to reinforce its call for improved hygiene practices.
We are holding seminars at Nishtar Hospital Multan and Institute of Mother & Child Care(I-MACCA) to sensitize the people regarding this important issue. Every year nurses, doctors and public are addressed to reinforce the message of Hand Hygiene. We are going to schools and communities to make them aware and practice hand washing.