Director of the European University of Lefke (EUL) School of Health Prof. Dr. Deniz Şelimen made a statement on the occasion of “World Hand Washing Day”.

Şelimen said, “It is an important public health service to spread the hygiene practices that have become even more important with the upsetting of the life of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the world and to increase awareness on this issue.” He stated that the most effective way of washing is to wash the hands with the right method under necessary conditions.

Şelimen continued her words as follows; “Unfortunately, hand washing” is not a common enough habit all over the world. As a result of the lack or negligence of people’s hand washing habits; It becomes difficult to prevent infectious diseases, foodborne infections, diarrhea seen in schools, parasite, bacterial and fungal infections transmitted through toilets. Hand washing is one of the most effective weapons in the health war we wage against coronavirus, especially during the pandemic process we are going through. We all do everything with our hands throughout the day and our hands create a suitable environment for microorganisms. We must know and apply the times that require hand washing. As a general habit, hands are washed after eating and after using the toilet. However, hands should also be washed before eating and before using the toilet ”.

The most effective way to protect from infectious diseases is to gain the habit of washing hands.

“All over the world lately; Due to the New Type Coronavirus “COVID-19” outbreak, the importance and awareness of hand hygiene has increased. Şelimen stated that the most effective way to protect children from infectious diseases such as hepatitis A, diarrhea, tuberculosis and intestinal parasites in hand washing is to give them the habit of hand washing”. “Studies conducted show that; The habit of washing hands with soap, especially before meals and before and after the toilet, is more of a life-saving importance than a vaccine or a medical interventionHand washing is an important personal hygiene problem not only in children but also in adults today. In this context, infections seriously threaten our health both in our daily life and in hospital environments. Based on this purpose, the World Health Organization has declared May 5th as World Hand Hygiene Day since 2009 to draw attention to the importance of hand hygiene. In addition, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has accepted 15 October as the “Global Handwashing Day”. Global Handwashing Day has been celebrated around the world since 2008 and has been adopted by governments as a national celebration ”.

The habit of hand washing should be gained starting from the preschool period.

Şelimen said, “If we gain the right hand washing habit in terms of health, which is our most valuable asset, and if we can instill this habit in our environment, we will take a big step to prevent many infectious diseases and other health problems,” Şelimen said, adding that the habit of hand washing is gained starting from pre-school period and continues for life. He added that it is a social duty to raise and raise awareness for people, and that a great responsibility falls on teachers, institutions and organizations, especially healthcare professionals.