Schools visited by SPMC for instruction on effective handwashing practices
The Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC) and the City Government of Davao have joined forces to promote proper handwashing in schools across Davao City. The campaign, which started in Agdao, is not limited to a specific district and aims to extend to other public and private schools as more handwashing stations are installed citywide.
The importance of this initiative lies in the prevention of the spread and contraction of infectious diseases. Proper handwashing involves using soap and water for a specific period of time to ensure thorough cleaning of all areas of the hands. If water and soap are not available, alcohol or alcogel can be used to sanitize hands.
The handwashing campaign complements the local government's initiative of installing handwashing stations in every school across the city. Handwashing stations are being installed in schools to provide students with easy access to facilities that promote good hygiene practices.
Fomites, or objects and surfaces frequently touched by people, can carry and spread infectious organisms. By emphasizing the importance of proper handwashing, the campaign aims to reduce the risk of illnesses linked to contact with unsanitized objects. Common illnesses include gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis.
The handwashing campaign is also crucial in preventing emerging infectious diseases such as monkeypox, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and influenza. As the world continues to battle various health crises, the need for public education on simple yet effective preventive measures like proper handwashing is more important than ever.
Dr. Barez, a health official, advised the public to always have a hand sanitizer for immediate use after touching commonly used surfaces or objects. This simple precaution can go a long way in maintaining good health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
[1] SPMC and Davao City Government partner for city-wide handwashing campaign in schools. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.davaocitygov.com/news/spmc-and-davao-city-government-partner-for-city-wide-handwashing-campaign-in-schools/ [3] SPMC extends handwashing campaign to more schools in Davao City. (2022, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.spmc.com.ph/news/spmc-extends-handwashing-campaign-to-more-schools-in-davao-city/
- The City Government of Davao, in collaboration with the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), is expanding their handwashing campaign to schools beyond Agdao, aiming to instill proper hygiene practices in students citywide.
- SPMC's focus on the significance of regular handwashing extends to various aspects of health-and-wellness, including the prevention of medical-conditions such as gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, and emerging diseases like monkeypox, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and influenza.
- As part of this collaborative effort, the local government is installing handwashing stations in numerous schools to provide students with accessible facilities for good hygiene practices and to reduce the risk of illnesses linked to the transfer of infectious organisms from fomites.
- Dr. Barez, a health official, highlights the importance of utilizing hand sanitizers frequently in addressing the threats associated with infectious diseases, as a simple yet effective measure to maintain personal health and hinder disease transmission.
