An Affiliate of Pakistan Society For Microbiology (PSM)
BIOSAFETY ASSOCIATION OF PAKISTAN
Hand Hygiene Alliance-Pakistan
Celebrations of International Hand Washing Week
October 14-24, 2008
Hands spread an estimated 80 percent of common infectious diseases like the common cold, flu and a number of gastrointestinal infections. Hand washing is easy to learn, cheap and incredibly effective at stopping the spread of disease-causing germs. In view of the paramount importance of hand washing in control of infectious diseases, Hand Hygiene Alliance- Pakistan is being launched on the occasion of Global Hand Washing Day on October 14, 2008 at Karachi University. Hand Hygiene Alliance is a consortium of Health professional societies, NGOs, Research and Academic institutions. This alliance is celebrating International Hand washing Week to increase the level of awareness regarding and washing practices in our community and its role in reducing the burden of different infections especially to curb the incidence of emerging antimicrobial resistant strains like MDR and XDR TB, MRSA etc.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Karachi
- Biological Safety Association of Pakistan (BSAP)
- Infection Control Society of Pakistan (ICSP)
- Pakistan Society for Microbiology (PSM)
- Infection Control Society Sanghar(ICSS)
- BRIDGE Health
- College of Nursing , Liaquat National Hospital
- Institute of Nursing, Dow University of Health Sciences
- SABA Foundation
OBJECTIVES
Good hand-washing practices have also been shown to reduce the incidence of other diseases, notably pneumonia, trachoma, scabies, skin and eye infections and diarrhoea-related diseases like cholera and dysentery. The promotion of hand-washing with soap is also a key strategy for controlling the spread of Avian Influenza (bird flu) and other viral infections.
The key to increasing the practice of hand-washing with soap is to promote behavioral change through motivation, information and education. There are a variety of ways to do these including high-profile national media campaigns, peer-to-peer education techniques, hygiene lessons for children in schools, different professionals like food handlers, medical doctors, nurses, vendors and other members of the community.
Programs for Celebrating International Hand Washing Week-2008
The following activities have been planned by Health Hygiene Alliance during Hand Washing week
Pakistan societies for Microbiology and Biological Safety Association of Pakistan have planned to organize different activities and seminars to highlight the importance of hand washing practices at Karachi University during October 14 - 15, 2008.
International Hand Washing Week- 2008 at KU Seminar
on
Controlling Dirty Hands Promoting Human Health
Speakers Topics
Prof. Dr. Shahan U. Kazmi Hand washing a way to live a Biosafe life
Prof Dr. Rafiq Khanani Mothers Hands Hygiene in preventing GIT infections
Prof. Dr. Aqeel Ahmad Food Safety through safe Hands
Dr. Ali Nadeem Importance of Hand Washing in Healthcare
Sikandar K.Sherwani Contaminated Hands; A Source of Infections
Practical Demonstrations
- Microorganisms rolling on Babies Hands
- Contaminated Hands of KU students
- Jumping Microorganisms on Food Handlers
International Hand Washing Week- 2008
Celebrations and Events
by
Allied Institutions and NGOs
- College of Nursing, Liaquat National hospital has planned to organize poster, quiz and debate competitions and puppet show at Karachi Montessori School on different days during this week
- Infection Control Society of Pakistan and BRIDGE have planned to organize different practical demonstrations and posters to mark the International Day of Hand washing.
- Infection Control Society of Pakistan and Infection control Society, Sanghar have planned to organize workshops, seminars and other awareness programs during October15-16, 2008.
Besides these activities, Hand Hygiene Alliance have also planned to publish the brochures in different languages creating awareness about the importance of Hand Washing
