Handwashing Prevents Many Diseases

ANKARA (AA) – The Ministry of Health has emphasized that effective hand hygiene can only be achieved through correct washing techniques at all times, and that proper hand washing will make an important contribution to protecting individual and public health.

In a written statement issued by the ministry on the occasion of 15 October World Hand Hygiene Day, it was noted that hand washing is a simple, inexpensive and highly effective method available to everyone for protecting individuals and communities from disease. It is emphasized that proper hand hygiene is the simplest yet most effective protection method in reducing respiratory and foodborne diseases, particularly COVID-19, which the entire world is fighting today, and in preventing gastroenteritis commonly seen in communities, fecal-borne diseases, parasitic and fungal diseases. It was stated that approximately 50 per cent of diarrheal cases and diarrhea-related deaths in children can be prevented by hand washing alone. The statement drew attention to the fact that frequent hand washing is one of the most important elements of mask, distance and hygiene measures in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement said: "Our hands become dirty throughout the day. For this reason, hands should be thoroughly washed frequently with water and soap during the day. Hands must be washed using the correct method before eating and after eating, before contact with a patient and after contact with a patient, after using the toilet, after changing a child's diaper, after contact with upper respiratory secretions, after touching spoiled food and garbage, after using communal tools in the community (public transport, exchanging money, touching phones, etc.), and also after contact with cats, dogs and all other animals. Effective hand hygiene is achieved through applying the correct washing technique each time. Proper hand washing technique provides an important contribution to protecting individual and public health."