By Seliphar Machoni
The Ministry of Health and health stakeholders in Kakamega County have launched a campaign to educate and sensitize the community on the importance of hand hygiene.
William Olaka, the Director for Public Health in Kakamega County, noted that poor hand hygiene among members of the community has significantly contributed to disease transmission. Mr Olaka further stated that respiratory diseases and skin infections can be prevented by observing proper hand washing practices.
He also observed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were fewer cases of diarrheal infections because people adhered to regular handwashing practices without being monitored.
However, he pointed out that since restrictions were lifted after the pandemic subsided, many individuals stopped taking hand washing seriously.
Reports indicate that cholera outbreaks have been reported in various regions across Kenya, such as Western and Nyanza.
Speaking at Mumias West Sub-County during International Handwashing Day celebrations, Tobias Omufwoko urged county health practitioners to work closely with communities in sensitizing them about good hygiene practices.
Omufwoko further called on national authorities to include a comprehensive hand washing program within their curriculum so as to involve learners actively in mobilization efforts aimed at sustaining these habits even beyond school settings.
UNICEF Pacific identifies poor hygiene practices as key contributors towards virus spread, which ultimately affects children’s ability to attend school, leading to significant disruptions to learning outcomes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics reveal that one out of every three diarrheal diseases can be prevented through regular cleaning measures such as frequent hand washing.
Additional research shows that only 47% of residents from Kakamega observe proper hand washing techniques consistently.
In conclusion, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of observing proper hand washing practices in preventing the spread of diarrheal diseases. This simple yet effective hygiene habit can make a significant difference in the health and well-being of children, particularly in school settings where they are more prone to exposure to germs and bacteria. By instilling good hand washing habits early on, educators and parents alike can help ensure that children stay healthy and focused on their learning goals.
Furthermore, promoting regular hand washing practices can also serve as a valuable tool for reinforcing important lessons on personal hygiene and disease prevention. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone involved in the education and care of children to prioritize this essential aspect of health promotion.
