7M Pinoys unable to wash hands

As the government promotes hand washing to stop the spread of COVID- 19, millions of Filipinos remain without access to hygiene facilities and are unable to wash their hands.

Based on 2019 data, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that over seven million Filipinos are unable to wash their hands due to the lack of access to a handwashing facility, water or soap.

It showed that limited access to a handwashing facility is highest among poorest households and those living in rural areas.

From school year 2018-2019, DOH said only half of schools have at least one group handwashing facility with soap. The lack of access to hand hygiene facilities is also a problem in workplaces, healthcare facilities and public spaces.

While awareness and knowledge around hand washing is high, the actual practice is low as shown by a study done by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2018.

Based on the study, less than eight percent of school children wash their hands after using the toilet even when a handwashing facility with soap and water is available.

Yesterday, the DOH and DepEd jointly celebrated the Global Handwashing Day and agreed to join forces in promoting hand washing with soap and water to combat COVID-19 transmission.

“Together with DepEd, we are calling on everyone to do their share to beat the COVID-19 virus today and ensure better health outcomes beyond the pandemic. To achieve our objectives, we need all sectors to renew our efforts and commitment – local officials and authorities, local health workers, teachers, parents and community members,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque said.

“To save lives and reduce illness, it is vital that we combine our expertise in health, education, communication and community knowledge to raise awareness and promote hygienic and safe practices,” Duque added.

The DOH previously launched Bida Solusyon sa COVID-19 campaign, which aims to reinforce and enable four key preventive behaviors. One of these is hand hygiene or cleaning of hands through hand washing with soap and water or sanitizing with alcohol-based hand rub.

For years, DOH has been promoting the practice of hand washing as an integrated part of their health programs.

UNICEF country representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said hand washing is critical to children’s health and development, though he admitted that it is still out of reach for so many children and families—especially the most vulnerable.

“Sustained investments are needed to make hand hygiene a practice beyond the pandemic. The partnership of DepEd and DOH in bringing together a national handwashing roadmap is a critical step towards a safer future for children in the Philippines,” he said.