Handwashing Reduces Deaths Due to Diarrheal Diseases by Half: Study

Committed to spreading awareness on the importance of hand hygiene in Pakistan, Dettol is all set to celebrate Global Handwashing Day on the October 15, with a mission to convert the children of our country into hygiene ambassadors by not only educating them about the importance of handwashing but also encouraging them to further this message of cleanliness by reaching out to others and teaching them as well.

Taking lead in this direction, the company has launched its DVC that highlights different scenarios throughout one’s day in which we are often indulged in doing chores that contract germs on our hands which can lead to infections and diseases.

According to Center of Disease Control, the simple act of washing hands with soap and water can reduce deaths due to diarrheal diseases by 50%. In Pakistan, diarrhoeal diseases contribute 6 percent of the total deaths in children under five. A number which can be easily prevented if proper hygiene is maintained in and around children.

The DVC identifies some key instances where there’s a need for an individual to wash hands but often its forgotten or is not prioritized. A large percentage of foodborne disease outbreaks are spread by contaminated hands. Appropriate hand washing practices can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and other infections. For instance, before cooking or eating food, after using the washroom or caring for someone who is sick are a few of those instances where handwashing becomes essential to avoid any contact with harmful bacteria and germs.

Dettol conducts an interactive school program – with 2 million school going kids annually – teaching them the importance of hand hygiene. This program is part of the larger campaign of the company, Hoga Saaf Pakistan, that supports the Prime Minister’s Clean Green Pakistan movement by creating mass awareness on cleanliness.