PR98176

LONDON Oct. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/

- On Global Handwashing Day, 15 October 2022, the GHC is calling for investment

in handwashing education and resources to achieve universal hand hygiene,

prevent disease and save lives.

Handwashing with soap is one of the most important steps for reducing the

spread of infectious diseases. It is substantially less expensive than other

public health interventions and has many socio-economic benefits beyond the

reduction of diseases such as increased productivity and a reduction in

healthcare costs.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts were made to improve hygiene

habits but, according to the World Health Organization, we need to quadruple

current progress to achieve the hygiene targets that are outlined by the United

Nations in the Sustainable Development Goals. If current trends persist, 1.9

billion people will still be without basic handwashing facilities at home by

2030, highlighting the need for increased investment in handwashing programmes

across the globe.

When COVID-19 emerged, access to handwashing facilities, education and funding

fell short: 30% of the global population didn't have handwashing facilities

with soap and water; and almost half of healthcare facilities (43%) lacked

basic hand hygiene facilities at points of care. The GHC aligns with the theme

of Global Handwashing Day 2022, which is 'Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene',

and calls for health authorities to prioritise hand hygiene to help prevent

infections.

Research estimates that national handwashing programmes could yield fruitful

economic returns, doubling return on investment, with some nations drastically

surpassing that. One study highlights that a national handwashing programme in

India could yield a 92-fold return on investment.

Professor emerita Elizabeth Scott PhD, chair of the Global Hygiene Council

comments:  

"The GHC is championing hygiene, including handwashing, as a leading way to

prevent infections. It is unconscionable that, in the 21st century, billions of

people around the world are still without access to basic handwashing with soap

and water.

A massive collaborative effort is required across all levels of society,

including increased investment in hygiene infrastructure by governments. We

need to get back to basics and raise the profile of hand hygiene, including

washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitiser when access to

soap and clean water isn't available, to ensure this remains a frontline

infection prevention method in healthcare and community settings."

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Source: Global Hygiene Council (GHC)