Union Minister for Health Dr Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday said many child deaths can be prevented by simple measures like hand washing. “It is a shame that we are not able to avoid deaths which are entirely preventable,” he added.
Speaking at a function to mark the Global Hand-washing Day, the Union Minister said, “Hand washing is likely to become the strongest possible public health movement. This will most likely prevent most child deaths.”
Highlighting National Health Assurance Mission, Vardhan said the Government is planning a slew of programmes to promote a healthy lifestyle in the next couple of months. The Government was planning to focus on preventive and positive health, he added. “I urge you to make health a social movement,” he said.
The Global Hand-washing Day is observed on October 15 every year and is a campaign to motivate and mobilise millions around the world to wash their hands as a key approach to disease prevention. “Hand washing does not cost anything. It is a simple and effective intervention,” said Vardhan.
After signing on a board, supporting the hand-washing campaign, Vardhan urged all sections of the society —irrespective of their age and social background — to be partners in the social movement on health. He said, “All countrymen are invited to be part of this.”
Nata Menabde, India’s representative for WHO, added that Global Hand-washing Day is especially significant in for the country. “Is a simple and inexpensive way to stay healthy. Today, it is aligned with the Swachchh Bharat Abhiyaan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” she said.