The African National Congress (ANC) joins the World Health Organisation (WHO) and millions of people across the world in observiing Global Hand Hygiene Day, which is celebrated every year on the 5th of May.
Hand Hygiene Day is about mobilising people around the world and health workers to promote hand hygiene in health care facilities, thus protecting health care workers and patients from infections.
We share the sentiment expressed by the Director General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom that “adherence to hand hygiene is the most effective preventative measure against COVID-19” – At the same time we wish to amplify the call: “Nurses and midwives, clean care is in your hands!”.
This year’s campaign theme, “SAVE LIVES: Clean your hands” resonates strongly with the worldwide campaign to stop the spread of the coronavirus. This theme is also aligned with the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. We salute these dedicated health workers who are in the front-line of saving lives of their fellow humans the world over.
As we mark the Global Hand Hygiene Day, we must accelerate efforts to promote hand-washing as a way of life and the most effective weapon to defeat the Coronavirus.
Progressive governments throughout the world should prioritise the provision of water and sanitation to all citizens. Access to clean water empowers people to practice hand hygiene and to take control of their own health.
The African National Congress and all its structures commit to the 2020 Hand Hygiene Objectives as set out by the World Health Organisation which include:
? Making hand hygiene a priority
? Inspire hand hygiene and behavior change
? Engage with health care workers in their role in clean care and the prevention of infections.
Let’s all continue to practice hand hygiene: to stay safe, protect lives and defeat COVID-19.
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ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Enquiries:
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975
