Hand hygiene is daily defence, not just campaign, says Sibu Hospital director
(From left) Molly, Dr Vivek, Dr Nanthakumar, Lau, and Dr Nizam pose for a photo-call, while showing their palms in a symbolic gesture to mark World Hand Hygiene Day.
SIBU (May 15): In conjunction with World Hand Hygiene Day, Sibu Hospital launched a comprehensive campaign to emphasise the importance of hand hygiene, not just as an annual initiative but as a daily practice to prevent infectious diseases.
Sibu Hospital director Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu stressed that proper hand hygiene should become a regular habit, particularly at home, alongside healthcare settings.
'True hand hygiene goes beyond campaigns. Making it a daily routine can significantly reduce illnesses, especially among children and parents,' he said.
During the launching of the event yesterday, various awareness activities were held, including a hand hygiene video competition involving over 900 hospital staff, from doctors and nurses to support personnel.
These efforts, according to Dr Nanthakumar, are crucial in improving compliance scores, which he noted could rise from 80 per cent to 90 per cent through sustained education and engagement.
He also highlighted how the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the effectiveness of hand-washing and mask-wearing in reducing the spread of diseases such as influenza and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
'Simple actions like washing hands and wearing masks can curb the spread of infections,' he said.
Dr Nanthakumar further warned of growing risks within hospitals due to the presence of drug-resistant organisms Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO).
'In such times, surveillance and response must be heightened. Hand hygiene is a basic, yet powerful defence,' he added.
He also advocated for a holistic approach to health, encouraging good hygiene, healthy eating, and lifestyle habits to prevent disease and reduce reliance on strong antibiotics, which are becoming less effective due to rising resistance.
Present at the event were Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker and Lanang MP Alice Lau, alongside key officials from the State Health Department (JKNS), including senior principal assistant director Dr Vivek Vijayan, Sibu Hospital deputy director Dr Nizam Ishak, and JKNS infection control coordinator Matron Molly Hafsah Jemat.
The World Hand Hygiene Day, spearheaded by the World Health Organisation, promotes the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare and everyday life under this year's campaign themed 'It Might Be Gloves, But It's Always Hand Hygiene'. Dr Nanthakumar Thirunavukkarasu lead Sibu Hospital World Hand Hygiene Day
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