Ministry of Health and Human Services observes Global Handwashing Day

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 15 October 2024: The Ministry of Health and Human Services joins the rest of the world to observe Global Handwashing Day on Tuesday, 15^th October 2024.

The theme for global handwashing day 2024 is “Why are clean hands still important?” The day is used to promote knowledge and capacity building of health and care workers through innovative and impactful training and education on infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene, and is an important reminder to all about the importance of hand hygiene to health. Inequalities in handwashing facilities can put individuals at higher risk for diseases that impact their health, education, and economic outcomes. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “US health care providers, on average, wash their hands less than half of the time they should.” 

This simple behavioral change, when carried out effectively, is said to reduce childhood mortality rates and related respiratory infections by 25% and death from diarrheal diseases by 50%. Global Handwashing Day (GH Day) is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap and clean running water, as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

It is important to make handwashing into a habit. The Global Handwashing Day helps raise awareness of the importance of washing with soap, but it also makes it fun for children to get involved. Proper hygiene requires that individuals know the importance of good hygiene and develop the habits to carry it out. Let us make every effort to encourage healthy behaviors by washing our hands after using the toilet, after coughing, blowing our nose and before serving or handling food and eating. Handwashing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent food poisoning. Follow these handwashing tips when preparing food: Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food.

In observance of Global Handwashing Day 2024, the National IPC Focal Point and Environmental Health personnel within the Ministry of Health and Human Services, visited the Helena Jones Robinson High School in Grand Turk, to provide information on Infection Prevention and Control in the school environment, including demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques.

Everyone has a role to play to ensure clean hands are within reach. Whether it’s in hospitals, schools, or in everyday interactions, practicing handwashing with soap still contributes to better health outcomes and a safer world for everyone.

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.