Middle: Dr. Taiwo Oluyemi MD/CEO GHII,LS: Dr. ADEDIRAN Aramide Consultant Endocrinologist and chairman Infection Prevention Control (IPC), LS: Mrs ABIOLA OSIKI Head Public Affairs Officer, LR:Mrs Mojisola Opeola Laboratory Officer and Carol Osunla hygienist
By Kayode Olopade
General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye (GHII), Lagos State, has joined the global community to commemorate World Handwashing Day, emphasising the importance of proper hand hygiene in preventing infections and promoting a healthier society.
The awareness campaign, themed “Handwashing Hero,” was held on October 15, the annual World Handwashing Day, to educate the public on the life-saving benefits of regular and effective handwashing with soap and clean water.
Speaking during the programme at the hospital premises, Mrs Moji Opeola, Laboratory Officer and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Officer, educated participants on the importance of hand hygiene as a simple, affordable and effective means of preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Opeola explained that proper handwashing significantly reduces the transmission of preventable respiratory infections, including colds and influenza, as well as gastrointestinal infections that can cause diarrhoea and other health complications.
She noted that practising proper hand hygiene protects individuals, families and communities from harmful microorganisms, stressing that everyone, regardless of age or occupation, could become a handwashing hero by making the practice a daily habit.
As part of the sensitisation exercise, participants were taken through the five essential steps of effective handwashing: wetting the hands with clean, running water; applying enough soap to cover all surfaces; scrubbing thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers and beneath the fingernails; rinsing under clean, running water; and drying with a clean towel, paper towel or air dryer.
The programme also highlighted the importance of drying hands properly after washing to minimise the transfer of germs.
The Chairman of the hospital's Infection Prevention and Control Committee, Dr Adediran, emphasised that hand hygiene should be practised regularly and at appropriate moments to minimise the risk of infection.
He advised that where soap and running water were unavailable, an appropriate alcohol-based hand sanitiser could serve as an alternative, provided it was used correctly.
In his remarks, the Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye, Dr Taiwo Oluyemi, thanked participants for their attention and patience throughout the awareness programme.
Oluyemi commended the team responsible for the sensitisation exercise and practical demonstrations, describing public education on hand hygiene as an important step towards improving health outcomes and preventing avoidable illnesses.
She encouraged members of the public to embrace the recommended handwashing practices and make them part of their everyday routines, noting that consistent adherence to basic hygiene measures could contribute significantly to a healthier population.
The hospital reaffirmed the importance of continuous public enlightenment on infection prevention and control, urging residents to take personal responsibility for maintaining proper hygiene and protecting those around them.
World Handwashing Day serves as a global reminder that washing hands with soap remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections and save lives.
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