Why Hand Hygiene Matters: Experts Stress Its Role in Preventing Everyday Health Risks
Imagine returning home after a hectic day. Can you recall every handshake, every surface you touched? Probably not. Yet, in those fleeting moments, you likely exchanged countless microorganisms—some harmless, others potentially harmful. Dr. Eric Niyongira, a public health expert, emphasizes that our hands are key players in the spread of germs, often without us even realizing it.
“Our hands are among the most used parts of the body and play a significant role in transmitting germs that cause diseases linked to poor sanitation,” says Dr. Niyongira. These risks aren’t limited to outbreaks like COVID-19 or Marburg virus. Everyday activities—whether preparing food, touching shared surfaces, or interacting with others—can expose us to waterborne infections, foodborne illnesses, and even skin conditions.
This year, on May 5, the world marked World Hand Hygiene Day, a timely reminder of the critical role hand hygiene plays in safeguarding public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that proper hand hygiene can prevent severe conditions like sepsis, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections. Yet, despite its importance, maintaining consistent hand hygiene practices remains a challenge, especially after the urgency of pandemic-era measures has faded.
The Decline of Handwashing Habits
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the Marburg outbreak, handwashing stations became a common sight in public spaces. These facilities not only provided access to clean water but also helped build essential hygiene habits. However, Dr. Niyongira points out that since these emergencies subsided, both the availability of handwashing stations and the routine of regular hand hygiene have declined.
“Public places like markets, schools, places of worship, and bus stations bring together large numbers of people, increasing the chances of germs spreading through shared surfaces and interactions,” he explains. Restoring and maintaining handwashing facilities in these areas is crucial. Dr. Niyongira urges those responsible for managing public spaces to prioritize reinstalling and sustaining these stations, even after pandemics.
Simple yet effective practices, such as washing hands with soap and water—especially when visibly dirty—or using alcohol-based sanitizers when necessary, can significantly reduce health risks. Dr. Niyongira stresses that prevention is always more cost-effective than treatment.
Schools as Catalysts for Change
Schools are pivotal in fostering hygiene habits from a young age. Recognizing this, Rwanda’s Ministry of Education launched a nationwide campaign in January called “FresheriKuIshuri.” Spanning all provinces and the City of Kigali, this initiative aims to make cleanliness a lasting cultural norm in educational institutions.
Jean Damascene Nsengiyumva, Director General of School Health and Wellness at the Ministry of Education, highlights the campaign’s impact. “The campaign has improved hygiene in schools, including better personal hygiene among learners, improved handwashing practices, and cleaner environments,” he says.
Before the campaign, Nsengiyumva notes that hygiene wasn’t a top priority in many schools. Some handwashing facilities were abandoned or unused. Today, thanks to increased awareness and training, these facilities are actively being utilized. The initiative has not only transformed school environments but also inspired students to adopt these habits at home.
While the ministry hasn’t yet conducted a formal study to measure the campaign’s progress, the positive feedback has prompted them to extend the initiative beyond its initial three-month timeline.
A Shared Responsibility
Dr. Niyongira emphasizes that prevention is a collective effort. Making handwashing a routine—after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, and avoiding unnecessary contact with the face—can significantly reduce the risk of infection. These small acts of hygiene, he says, protect communities from everyday health threats.
As the world continues to navigate post-pandemic realities, the lesson is clear: hand hygiene isn’t just a response to crises—it’s a daily necessity. By reinstating handwashing facilities and fostering a culture of cleanliness, individuals and institutions alike can play a vital role in safeguarding public health.
— Reported by Nexio News
