Hand hygiene is extremely important to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, sanitation expert Anand Shekhar has said.
Shekhar while participating in a webinar on ‘Hand Hygiene for All’ said initiatives targeting hand washing behaviour are complex and are based on several promotional elements that have been adapted to the local context.
Community-based approaches may be effective in changing hand washing and sanitation behaviour, he said.
Shekhar pointed out that hand hygiene is extremely important to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“It also interrupts transmission of other viruses and bacteria causing common colds, flu and pneumonia, thus reducing the general burden of disease,” he added.
Rubul Sarma, DSWO (i/c) Kamrup district, in his speech emphasized on the need to organize this kind of webinar to sensitize people particularly the frontline workers and students who are rendering services to mothers and children and the people in general.
Mousumi Krisnatreya, associate professor, Gauhati Medical College (GMC) explained to the participants about the methods of hand hygiene and importance of behavioral change.
She also spoke about the key moments at which healthcare workers should comply with hygiene rules while making contact with people particularly children or their surroundings.
The webinar was moderated by Arup Jyoti Kalita, honorary director, Centre for Participatory Action and Social Support (CPASS).
The webinar was jointly organized on October 15 by Centre for Participatory Action and Social Support (CPASS) and the state social welfare department in collaboration with NSS cell of Gauhati University.