Timely reminder to wash our hands

YESTERDAY, South Africa and the rest of the world observed Global Handwashing Day.

This day is a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of washing hands with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent the spread of diseases.

The theme for this year is “Clean Hands for All”. The theme reminds us that we must work towards universal access to water and practice of handwashing with soap for a healthy future.

This year’s event is unprecedented as it comes at a time when the world is faced with the Covid- 19 pandemic which has infected millions of people and claimed more than 1 million lives across the world.

One way of curtailing the spread of the virus is by washing hands.

South Africa is a water- scarce country, so we must use water sparingly. Communities should take note of the following handwashing tips:

Wash hands with soap and water. Rub both hands together, rub back of the hands.

Rub in- between the fingers and clean the thumbs. Clean under the fingernails. Clean your wrists. Rinse well under running water and dry with a clean cloth or by shaking your hands in the air.

SIMPIWE MASHICILA | Department of Water and Sanitation