By Ebele Egoh
A health professional, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, has underscored the importance of proper handwashing as one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, noting that many people still do not observe proper hand hygiene practices.
Dr. Ifeanaeme made the remark on June 10, while addressing members of his staff, urging them to cultivate the habit of regular handwashing to protect themselves and others from infections.
According to him, many individuals either wash their hands too quickly, use only water without soap or neglect hand hygiene altogether, practices that significantly increase the risk of contracting and spreading infections.
He explained that viruses, bacteria and other harmful microorganisms are easily transmitted through everyday activities, including touching commonly used surfaces such as doorknobs, petrol pumps, mobile phones and through handshakes.
The health expert warned that these germs can enter the body when contaminated hands come into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth, often resulting in illness.
“Handwashing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect against infections,” Dr. Ifeanaeme said, adding that proper hygiene practices can significantly reduce the spread of diseases within communities.
He explained that washing hands with soap is particularly effective because it not only removes dirt and germs from the skin but can also destroy certain viruses.
According to him, viruses such as the one responsible for COVID-19 are enclosed in a fatty outer layer that soap can break down when hands are thoroughly scrubbed for at least 20 seconds.
To ensure effective hand hygiene, Dr. Ifeanaeme recommended four basic steps: wetting hands with clean running water, applying soap and lathering thoroughly, including between the fingers and under the fingernails rinsing properly and drying with a clean towel or allowing the hands to air dry.
He stressed the importance of washing hands at critical times, including after returning home, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, after handling animals or waste and before preparing or eating food.
Where soap and water are not readily available, he advised the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers containing at least 60 per cent alcohol.
However, he cautioned that sanitisers should only serve as an alternative, noting that they are generally less effective than proper handwashing with soap and water.
Dr. Ifeanaeme warned against relying on baby wipes or low-alcohol sanitisers, explaining that such products may not effectively eliminate viruses, advising that alcohol-based sanitisers should be kept out of the reach of children because of the health risks associated with accidental ingestion.
The health professional therefore urged members of the public to make proper handwashing a daily habit, emphasizing that consistent hand hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of preventable diseases and improve public health outcomes.
As part of the awareness exercise, he demonstrated the correct handwashing technique to participants.
“Clean hands save lives. It is a small habit with a powerful impact,” Dr. Ifeanaeme stressed.
Ebele Egoh is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
