15 October 2009 - Handwashing with soap a simple but highly effective means for preventing diseaseAs part of Global Handwashing Day, UNICEF together with the Government of National Unity and the Government of Southern Sudan, reminds parents, care givers, educators, doctors, midwives and others who work with children that handwashing with soap is the most effective activity anyone can undertake to protect themselves and others from infectious diseases. “We all have a responsibility to regularly clean our hands with soap to protect ourselves and others, particularly children who are the most vulnerable to disease and future health complications,” said UNICEF Representative to Sudan Mr. Nils Kastberg. “Cleaning hands with soap and not just water can help dramatically reduce the chances of contracting diarrheal, and respiratory diseases and can help reduce the country’s maternal mortality rate,” Mr. Kastberg emphasized. This year’s theme for Global Handwashing Day – Clean Hands Save Lives – is a reminder that often the simplest activity can have the greatest impact. Washing the hands with soap after using latrines, before preparing food and before and after eating is quite simply the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal and acute respiratory infections, which are responsible for the deaths of millions of children in developing countries every year. According to the 2006 Sudan Household Health Survey, the incidence of diarrheal disease among children under the age of five in Sudan is an estimated 28 per cent, while 12 per cent of children in the same age group are affected by pneumonia. The simple commitment of making handwashing with soap a regular activity could save more lives than vaccines or medical interventions, and cut deaths from diarrhea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by one-quarter. Handwashing is also cited as a key element of preventing transmission of H1N1, which has now become global endemic. During and in the days leading to Global Handwashing Day on October 15, UNICEF will highlight the role that handwashing can play in preventing infections by involving children, government representatives, international organizations and the public at large in a variety of health-centered activities. In north Sudan, UNICEF is supporting several events in collaboration with GONU, NGOs and CBOs focusing on school children in 300 schools and surrounding communities. Events include children carnivals from different schools; handwashing demonstrations by children followed by the Wali, ministers, commissioners and other participants; dramas and songs; distribution of printed information materials; and key note addresses by guests. In Southern Sudan, UNICEF is partnering with GoSS, state ministries, NGOs and others to raise awareness among school children and the general population through street and market announcements, and formal public launch. During Global Handwashing Day, 45 schools, representing approximately 20,250 students across the region, will participate in handwashing demonstrations designed to highlight the importance of adopting beneficial hygienic practices. “Let children show the way in washing hands with soap, and they will do so their whole life, and they will work to convert everyone to do the same," said Mr. Kastberg, adding that this is one of many ways in which children can be very effective advocates for positive behaviours in the community.
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