PR93143

LONDON, Nov. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

The Global Hygiene Council (GHC) are calling on us to practice good hygiene,

such as handwashing, to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce

the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

With over 5 million deaths worldwide, COVID-19 has imposed a significant burden

on societies and healthcare systems around the world. As we continue to address

the impact of COVID-19, there is an even greater public health threat which

must be tackled, AMR. The importance of hygiene's role in breaking the chain of

infection has been demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, however GHC

experts fear that we are witnessing hygiene lethargy as we transition into a

post-COVID world, exacerbating the threat of AMR.

Last month the WHO launched its report on the state of the world's hand

hygiene, outlining the importance of hand hygiene in preventing infections and

reducing the burden of AMR through extending the life of antimicrobials (e.g.

antibiotics). The GHC welcomes this increased focus on hand hygiene and is

supporting this year's WAAW by focusing its activities on reducing the need for

antibiotics through encouraging improved hand hygiene to prevent the spread of

infections.

GHC spokesperson, Sabiha Essack, Professor from the School of Pharmaceutical

Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Comments,  

"Responsible hygiene such as handwashing is an effective intervention for

preventing infections, helping to eliminate the need for antimicrobials (e.g.

antibiotics). Behaviours such as handwashing have the potential to reduce

disease transmission, as experienced with COVID-19 and should be encouraged

post-pandemic".

Unnecessary use of antibiotics has expedited the emergence and spread of

resistant bacteria. Common infections which are unsuccessfully treated due to

antimicrobial resistant bacteria attribute to over 700,000 deaths per year

worldwide and are projected to be associated with the deaths of 10 million

people per year by 2050. Adopting everyday hygiene practices can reduce the

risk of common infections by up to 50% and offers a framework for reducing

antibiotic prescribing, minimising opportunities for antibiotic resistant

bacteria to form.

With the occurrence of infectious disease outbreaks more likely in the years up

to 2030, we must adopt lasting hygiene behaviours to protect ourselves and

loved ones against the threat of emerging infectious diseases, reduce the

burden of AMR and future-proof antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, for years

to come.

For further information contact:

Gabriel.Jarvis@emotiveagency.com, +44-1444-811099

Source: Global Hygiene Council