Clean hands save lives: Global Handwashing Day 2011 in Pakistan
Islamabad, 13 October 2011 – Millions of people in Pakistan and around the world are marking Global Handwashing Day, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent disease. This message is particularly vital for the 5.4 million people affected by the current monsoon flood emergency, many of whom are children at increased risk of contracting diseases like diarrhoea.
A seminar in the capital tomorrow (14 October) will bring together 300 school children and teachers from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, along with representatives from Government, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society and academia to stress the significance of handwashing with the theme 'Clean Hands Save Lives'. Similar events will be held in other parts of the country.
In addition, handwashing awareness activities and materials are expected to reach half a million flood-displaced children and UNICEF will distribute handwashing promotional materials to one million Pakistan school children.
In Pakistan, close to 116,000 children under the age of five die each year as a result of diarrhoea. Children also suffer disproportionately from sickness related to diarrhoeal disease, with almost 25 million cases reported annually in Pakistan alone. This situation is being made worse by the monsoon floods emergency. Globally, more than two million children under five die every year from diarrhoea and pneumonia-related illnesses.
"Washing hands with soap is critical," says Haider W. Yaqub, Country Director of Plan International, Pakistan. "It is an inexpensive yet effective means of protection against diarrhoeal diseases and one of the most effective and affordable health interventions. Handwashing with soap represents a cornerstone of public health and can be considered an affordable, accessible "do-it-yourself" protection against disease."
"The simple act of washing hands with soap at critical times, such as after using the toilet and before handling food, is a key cost effective and lifesaving action," says Karen Allen, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Pakistan.
"For flood-affected children and families, many of whom are displaced and living in terrible conditions, good hygiene practices such as handwashing with soap are essential to avoid disease," says Ms Allen. UNICEF and partners are reaching flood-displaced populations with hygiene kits, including soap, along with safe water supplies and hygiene promotion.
"In general, research has shown that handwashing with soap can reduce the incidence of diarrhoea among children under five by almost 50 per cent, and reduce Acute Respiratory Infections by nearly 25 per cent. Handwashing with soap can provide protection from polio and other diseases," says Ms Allen.
The Islamabad event aims to engage school children as effective agents for change, highlighting their role in both understanding good hygiene and taking these practices back into their homes and communities. A new UNICEF handwashing cartoon character, "SABU", will be launched and participants will agree to a declaration emphasizing the importance of handwashing and the widespread dissemination of handwashing messages.
About PLAN
Plan is an international, humanitarian, child focused development organization without any religious, political or government affiliation. Plan is working in over 66 countries across the globe and child sponsorship is the foundation of the organization. Plan international started working in Pakistan in 1997. Plan works in partnership, first and foremost with children, their families and communities but also with government departments, agencies and other like minded developmental organizations addressing the key issues affecting the lives of children in Pakistan.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. In Pakistan, it works with the government, NGOs and other partners to support child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. It has provided vital relief and reconstruction support to help individuals rebuild their lives after emergencies, such as the 2010 monsoon floods and the October 2005 earthquake. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For further information, please contact:
Ayesha Javed, Programme Officer Reporting & Communication, Plan Pakistan, +92-300-558-9226, Ayesha.javed@plan-international.org
A. Sami Malik, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Pakistan, +92-300-855-6654, asmalik@unicef.org
David Youngmeyer, Emergency Communication Specialist, UNICEF Pakistan, +92-300-549-9257, dyoungmeyer@unicef.org
Tariq Khattak, Islamabad, Pakistan.
GSM = 0300-9599007 and 0333-9599007
Email: Tariqgulkhattak@gmail.com
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