It is critically important to maintain hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and promote a healthier life, doctors said.
Medical experts said proper handwashing significantly reduces the transmission of infectious illnesses.
Dr Haroon, a general physician with the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), stressed the need to educate people and institutions on effective hand hygiene practices.
“Hand hygiene is a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against infections,” he said. “Regular handwashing can reduce the transmission of illnesses like COVID-19, cholera and diarrhea.”
Dr Mir Mushtaq, from DHSK called for handwashing at critical moments – before meals, after using the toilet and after sneezing or coughing. “Children who practice regular hand hygiene are less likely to fall ill with respiratory or diarrheal diseases, which helps them maintain school attendance and overall health,” he added.
Doctors called for continuous awareness campaigns, particularly in rural areas, to teach proper handwashing techniques. They said collective efforts are needed from governments, NGOs and people to improve access to clean water and sanitation.
“Universal hand hygiene and clean water access are key to preventing disease outbreaks and improving overall global health,” they said.
As infectious diseases continue to challenge health systems worldwide, doctors reiterated a clear message: maintaining clean hands is not just a good habit – it is a life-saving one—(KNO)
