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The small but significant attendance at the launching, comprising officials from PAHO, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and personnel from medical facilities across the region, was told that the campaign was an effort to reduce the spread of infectious diseases due to improper hand washing techniques.
It was noted that the BRHA joined 193 countries across the world, and the Skeldon Hospital is also part of 15,300 institutions from all over the globe which support the campaign.
Dr. Vineshri Khirodar of the Skeldon Hospital remains optimistic that hand washing can save more lives by halving diarrhoeal deaths, and reducing to a quarter of its present incidence deaths caused by acute respiratory infections among children.
“Hand washing can save lives more than any vaccine or medical intervention. Hand washing is difficult to promote and is seldom practised in Guyana, which is why this launching is so significant,” she lamented.
Special Projects Manager of the BRHA, Ms. Melissa Ramdeen, boasted that the BRHA is the best health care unit in Guyana, and is leading the way in promoting and executing health care programmes. “The BRHA will continue to provide the best health care in Guyana, while looking for new and innovative ways to improve our extension of services,” she declared.
Hand washing is considered the single most effective measure in preventing the spread of diseases, and this was highlighted by PAHO’s representative, Dr. Malhi Cho. “This project seeks to raise awareness by promoting the importance of proper hand washing techniques, to prevent the spread of disease and to encourage the people to support and promote the concept of hand washing,” she declared.
CHALLENGE
The real challenge of the BRHA has begun now that health officials are tasked with transforming the culture of Guyanese, and instilling in them the practice of washing their hands with soap.
The BRHA workers have a crucial role to play in teaching patients and communities about the importance of correctly washing their hands. This campaign is not expected to have an immediate impact; but, in time to come, everyone is expected to become aware of the importance of properly washing their hands.
Acting Regional Health Officer, Dr. Haripersaud Chand, in his address to the gathering at the launching, said he is happy the Skeldon Hospital was selected as a pilot institution, since it caters for a wide cross section of people. “Our Hospital is situated in a geographical location where we will not only be providing education to people in this country, but also to our neighbouring country, Suriname,” he pointed out.
He also said that the campaign is expected to draw support from the Upper Corentyne people, who see the Skeldon Hospital as a community-friendly institution.
He added: “Millions of lives have been lost due to infectious diseases. We may not be able to eliminate all cases, but we can put a limit to the amount of infections that are in the air by simply washing our hands.”
Epidemiologist, Dr. Bendita Latchmansingh declared in her presentation that in the 2012-2016 National Plan for Infection Prevention and Control, hand washing is on the agenda.
“The Ministry of Health, through the Department of Standards and Technical Service, would provide support for your own plan to develop your hospital. We will also help you to monitor and develop activities over time, through the plan of the ministry,” she revealed.
PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Pilar Ramon-Pardo then urged the health officials to collaborate and reach out to the wider community, to reduce the spread of infections through hand washing. “Hand washing is for everybody, and it is everyone’s business to prevent the contraction of infections,” she stressed.
