Wash Your Hands Regularly as World Marks Hand Hygiene Day

May 5 is the World Hand Hygiene Day. The City of Ekurhuleni calls on residents to mark the day by raising awareness of the importance of practising handwashing hygiene, as washing of hands is the best form of defence against viruses.

Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Services Cllr Nomadlozi Nkosi says, “We have learnt that people can get infected with respiratory illnesses such as influenza or the common cold if they don’t wash their hands before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), every year, millions of patients around the world are affected by healthcare-associated infections. More than half of these infections could have been prevented by caregivers properly cleaning their hands at key moments in patient care.

Residents are also reminded to make use of the Shesha Geza handwashing stations placed at public health facilities across the City.  The stands feature a diluted, chlorine-based sanitiser liquid.