Ghana joined the remainder of the world yesterday to mark World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD), with a name on the general public to undertake hand hygiene as a each day life-style with the intention to assist break the chain of illness transmission nationwide.
The Minister of Well being, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, who made the decision, emphasised that hand hygiene, significantly correct handwashing and the usage of alcohol-based hand sanitisers remained important in lowering the chance of infections and illness outbreaks, urging Ghanaians to not abandon this easy however very important apply.
On the theme: ‘It may be gloves, it’s all the time hand hygiene,’ this yr’s WHHD goals to underscore the significance of correct hand hygiene, particularly in healthcare settings over reliance on gloves.
The marketing campaign additionally seeks to lift consciousness in regards to the environmental and local weather affect of gloves, stressing that carrying gloves doesn’t exchange the necessity for correct hand hygiene, which stays an efficient approach to shield public well being and stop the unfold of infections.
As a part of its World Motion Plan and Monitoring Framework for An infection Prevention and Management (IPC), the World Well being Organisation (WHO) is urging all nations to ascertain nationwide hand hygiene compliance monitoring and feedagain techniques in all well being services by 2026.
Reiterating the teachings from the COVID-19 pandemic and the function hand hygiene performed in reducing transmission, Mr Akandoh reminded the general public of the necessity to keep these practices with the intention to forestall rising public well being emergencies.
He highlighted Ghana’s IPC progress, together with the set upment of a nationwide IPC committee, the appointment of a nationwide IPC focal individual, and the mixing of hand hygiene indicators into the District Well being Info Management System (DHIMS2).
“Importantly, now we have set a daring goal that by 2026, all regional and instructing hospitals in Ghana will routinely monitor hand hygiene compliance and supply common suggestions as a part of their high quality enchancment frameworks,” he disclosed.
The Minister additionally reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to making sure sustainable hand hygiene infraconstruction throughout all public well being services.
Moreover, he additionally pledged to advertise efficient waste handlement techniques, help the native manufacturing of reasonably priced hygiene merchandise, and encourage well being coaching establishments to prioritise hygiene of their curricula.
“If we’re to construct a resilient, equitable, and people-centred well being system, hygiene should function its unshakable basis.
The well being, security, and dignity of each Ghanaian hinge upon the actions we take—or fail to take— on hygiene. Allow us to pledge at this time to make clear arms not merely a symbolic gesture, however a each day, unwavering apply,” he urged.
The WHO Nation Representative, Dr Frank Lule, in a speech learn on his behalf, famous about 70 per cent of an infection transmission occurred in hospital settings with research exhibiting that training routine hand hygiene “achieves a discount in these healthcare associated infections.”
He urged healthcare employees to use the WHO “My 5 moments hand hygiene” framework which promotes handwashing; earlier than touching a affected person, earlier than a clear or aseptic process, after physique fluid publicity threat, after touching a affected person, and after touching affected person environment, for enhanced IPC amongst well being employees and sufferers.
“It’s crucial that we continue to make sure correct hand hygiene practices with the intention to cut back unfold of germs and different well being associated infections,” he suggested.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
