A medical doctor has called for the intensification of the campaign on hand washing since it is the most affordable and effective life-saving precaution.

Dr. Ama Quansah, Medical Officer in charge of the Tema Manhean Health Post, said regular hand washing after attending toilet and before touching food can drastically reduce diarrhoea and respiratory diseases -as well as cholera.

Speaking at the Global Hand Washing Day celebrations in Tema Manhean, she said the hand, as the part of the body- which does almost all the touching of objects and other surfaces- picks pathogens frequently; which must be washed away to prevent harmful germs getting into the body- to cause diseases and discomfort.

The Department of Community Development and Social Welfare of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) organised the activity which was on the theme: “Choose Hand washing, Choose Health”

Dr. Quansah asked that children should be used as change agents in the crusade since they are eager adapters of practices and as parents of the future, their appreciation of hand washing with running water and soap would in the long run save the nation from the scourge of cholera and other public health embarrassment.

Madam Theresah Anafi, Unit Head, TMA Community Development, said her outfit has organised study groups, durbars, mass meetings and other fora to educate communities, women groups and children on prevailing issues.

“We have intensified education by reaching out to several women’s groups, youth groups, churches and children in Tema Metropolis on the need for proper hand washing with soap and running water.”