Wash Hands, Save Lives

Jan 25 , 2025
By Eden Sahle

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In a world scarred by health crises like COVID-19, one might expect handwashing to be a universal habit. Yet, many still neglect this simple, life-saving act, spreading diseases in the process.

Hand hygiene is a basis of public health. It is a simple yet powerful practice that prevents illnesses, yet many people disregard it, risking their own health and that of others.

In Ethiopia, where communal eating from shared trays is a common practice, handwashing is even more crucial. Unfortunately, cultural norms often clash with hygiene standards. The shared nature of meals, coupled with poor hygiene, creates an ideal environment for disease transmission.

It is common to see people dining after handling cash, touching various surfaces, or leaving restrooms without washing their hands. This invisible dirt, bad odour, and potential disease on their hands seem to go unnoticed. Shockingly, a common saying suggests that handwashing is only needed after meals to remove food residue, ignoring its importance before eating.

I stopped dining with others on shared trays long ago because many eat without washing their hands. As a mother, I now go to great lengths to shield my daughter from those who attempt to feed her with unwashed hands. When I politely ask them not to, they often take offence instead of recognising the importance of hygiene.

In cultural restaurants, where groups share trays of food, some people wash their hands, but others neglect to do so. It only takes one person with unwashed hands to contaminate the entire meal, jeopardising everyone's health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 50pc of all foodborne illnesses result from unclean hands during food preparation and handling. Hands are primary carriers of disease, constantly exposed to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens through contact with doorknobs, cash, mobile phones, and handshakes.

According to the WHO, nearly 80pc of communicable diseases are spread through touch. Proper handwashing with soap and water is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent these diseases.

Handling food with unwashed hands is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses. The WHO estimates that one in ten people worldwide fall ill annually from contaminated food, with poor hand hygiene being a major factor.

Diarrheal diseases remain a top cause of child mortality globally, claiming over half a million lives each year among children under five. The WHO says that handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal diseases by up to 40pc.

Despite overwhelming evidence of its benefits, a large gap remains between awareness and behaviour. A study in the Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences found that only 25pc of participants practised proper handwashing before meals. Alarmingly, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only 19pc of Americans wash their hands after using the toilet, revealing poor hygiene habits even in developed nations.

Medical literature shows that infectious diseases like E. coli, salmonella, norovirus, and influenza are easily transmitted via contaminated hands. Diseases like trachoma, which can cause blindness, are also linked to poor hygiene. Simple hand and face washing can greatly reduce the spread of trachoma.

Handwashing is more than a personal habit, it is a public health responsibility. Washing hands before meals, after using the toilet, and while preparing food can prevent countless illnesses, including Helicobacter pylori, which is linked to stomach cancer.

For many, reminding them to maintain proper hygiene is seen as disrespectful, making it hard to enforce handwashing. Many people underestimate the importance of washing hands before eating, focusing only on visible cleanliness.

While limited access to clean water and soap is a major problem in rural areas, even residents of Addis Abeba often eat with dirty hands despite having access to these resources.

The country has a long way to go in shifting societal attitudes to view handwashing as a sign of respect and responsibility for personal and public health. Handwashing is a simple yet transformative habit that saves lives. It is baffling that despite its ease and proven benefits, many adults still neglect it.

Observing individuals dressed impeccably but ignoring basic hygiene reveals a widespread disconnect between appearances and health practices.

The WHO says handwashing with soap is a critical intervention that can save millions of lives each year. However, the practice remains inconsistent.

By embracing the simplicity of handwashing, we protect ourselves and contribute to healthier communities. Hygiene plays a critical role in our survival. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Sanitation is more important than independence," underscoring its importance for staying alive.

Handwashing with soap is one of the most cost-effective public health measures. It prevents diseases, reduces healthcare costs, decreases school absenteeism, and limits productivity losses caused by preventable illnesses.

In a world where preventable diseases claim millions of lives annually, handwashing is a simple, accessible solution. This small act has enormous potential to save lives and protect communities. The solution, quite literally, lies in our hands.

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PUBLISHED ON Jan 25,2025 [ VOL 25 , NO 1291]

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