07-05-2025
Hand Hygiene: A Simple Habit That Saves Lives
Last Updated:
Hand hygiene (HH) is considered a simple and effective measure to prevent infections.
Hand hygiene—including handwashing with soap and water, or the use of hand sanitizers—has been proven to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, especially gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections.
Improper and insufficient handwashing practices are a leading cause of diarrheal and respiratory diseases among children globally. This not only contributes significantly to the global infectious disease burden but is also responsible for nearly half of all child deaths each year. Dr. Atique Ahemad, Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, shares all you need to know:
Handwashing has been shown to reduce diarrhea-related illness and life-threatening diarrhea by 42% to 48%, and the prevalence of upper respiratory infections by 24%.
Children under 5 years of age are most at risk, particularly those attending childcare or preschool.
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.
Parents Can Play a Key Role
Introduce health promotion activities that educate children about how diseases are not always visible and that germs can spread even when hands don't look dirty.
Teach good hand hygiene habits early in a child's life to help sustain healthy behavior over time.
Model proper hand hygiene to reinforce habits in young children.
Healthcare providers should also encourage both parents and children to practice hand hygiene during visits for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). This not only helps reduce disease transmission but also reinforces the message of hygiene compliance and supports healthy lifelong habits.
Importantly, parents should be reassured that regular handwashing does not lead to abnormal psychological behavior in children and does not weaken their immunity.
Make Handwashing a Daily Routine for Kids
Share engaging social media graphics and messages.
Print stickers and place clings on bathroom mirrors.
Promote handwashing during Global Handwashing Day, observed every year on October 15.
Distribute fact sheets to raise awareness about hand hygiene among specific audiences.
Let's encourage children to make handwashing a healthy habit—for a lifetime of better health.
First Published:
May 07, 2025, 07:17 IST
