Dettol and MOH join forces for Global Handwashing Day

In commemoration of Global Handwashing Day 2023, Dettol has partnered with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Global Hygiene Council (GHC), infectious disease expert Professor Dr. Zamberi Sekawi, and Watsons to discuss the significance of improved hygiene practices.

The collaborative panel discussion aimed to raise awareness and support the MOH’s Madani Afiat programme, encouraging more effective hygiene and handwashing habits throughout Malaysia.

As the world witnesses a decline in comprehensive handwashing and hygiene practices after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, communicable diseases are on the rise. The panel of experts stressed that handwashing remains the most effective preventive measure against the spread of infectious diseases and, simultaneously, addresses the challenges posed by changing climate conditions.

Battling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

The Global Hygiene Council, led by Professor Emerita Elizabeth Scott, highlighted the critical role of hygiene practices in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

AMR is considered one of the most substantial threats to human health, with an estimated 4.95 million deaths in 2019 attributed to drug-resistant bacterial infections. Without action, this figure could rise to 10 million deaths annually by 2050.

Hygiene, particularly handwashing, serves as a practical means to mitigate AMR by reducing infection risks and the need for antibiotics. It has been observed that proper hand hygiene can reduce the spread of infections and lower antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections by 30%. The GHC urged governments and policymakers to prioritize hygiene to safeguard millions of lives.

“In the battle against infectious diseases, good hygiene practices are our first line of defence. The recent global challenges posed by infectious diseases have underscored the urgency of adhering to these basic yet effective measures.

Locally, the top five most common infections since 2021 are COVID-19, Dengue fever, Tuberculosis, food poisoning and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), three of which can be mitigated through the practice of good hand hygiene.

By incorporating good hygiene into our daily routines and promoting its importance within our communities, we can collectively mitigate the spread of infectious diseases and build a healthier, more resilient society,” added Prof Zamberi.

Dettol: Commitment to hygiene awareness initiatives

To address these ongoing health concerns, Dettol, renowned for its germ protection, has partnered with the MOH to promote more effective hygiene practices across Malaysia. This initiative aligns with the Madani Afiat programme, designed to disseminate essential disease prevention and hygiene information to the public.

Dettol’s commitment includes the “Hygiene Quest” curriculum, a public awareness campaign that aims to reach 4 million students by 2024, instilling effective hygiene habits among school children. This collaboration stands as a significant step towards reducing school absenteeism and fostering lifelong hygiene practices.

Dettol symbolized its dedication to promoting hygiene awareness by introducing the inaugural ‘Hygiene Hour.’ The KL Tower was illuminated for this occasion, and the Dettol Hygiene Crew, dedicated e-hailing motorcyclists, distributed essential hygiene kits, including Dettol hand sanitiser, to various communities.

Moreover, Dettol has partnered with Watsons, Malaysia’s No.1 health and beauty retailer, to reinforce handwashing and effective hygiene practices across 700 stores, with the goal of educating over 500,000 shoppers within six months.

Dettol’s commitment to fostering a healthier Malaysia was recognized as they achieved the Malaysian Book of Records certification for the Largest Children Participation in A Hand Washing Awareness Session, with 4865 school children taking part.

Tiffany Tang, Marketing Director for Health, Malaysia and Singapore for Reckitt, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene in curbing the spread of infectious diseases. She highlighted that 80% of germs are spread through the hands, underlining the role of sustained hygiene habits in reducing the burden of illness.

In conclusion, Dettol and health experts aim to inspire positive behavioural change, emphasizing the implementation of improved hygiene and handwashing practices to create a cleaner, healthier future for all.