Simple handwashing with soap is linked with up to 30–48% reduction in risk of endemic diarrhoea, up to 23% reduction in acute respiratory infections, up to 50% reduction in pneumonia, a substantial reduction in neonatal infections, 27% reduction in infection-related infant deaths through improved handwashing practices in healthcare facilities, and a further 40% by handwashing in the postnatal period, 43% (fewer days) reduced school absenteeism, preventing healthcare-associated infections and 36% reduced personal risk of seasonal coronavirus infection.
The COVID-19 outbreak has overly emphasized the importance of handwashing with soap to reduce the spread of the virus. Doctors and medical experts agree that while the pandemic has been an unprecedented crisis, it has also been a blessing in disguise increasing awareness on improved hygiene.
As we start seeing better hygiene in communities the number of diseases will go down. As far as the pandemic goes, we have also seen a clear linkage between health security and economic security.
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