Handwashing Important for Public Health

Media Release

19 June 2007

Handwashing Important for Public Health

Taranaki DHB is promoting good handwashing to school children in an attempt to clean up infection.

A kit has been designed for teachers and students from early childhood education centres to primary schools teaching children the importance and correct technique for washing hands.

Taranaki DHB Medical Officer of Health Dr Richard Hoskins said proper handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.

“We have made this kit a practical and fun way for children to learn where germs exist, the conditions they thrive in, how they spread and how children can get rid of them,” said Dr Hoskins.

“With influenza already here and with talk of more serious pandemic influenza worldwide, hand washing is even more relevant,” he said.

Health Protection Officer Maree Rohleder has been working with public health nurses, health promoters and education specialists to produce a comprehensive kit that fits with the school curriculum.

“This is a fun way of reinforcing hand washing and drying. Kids seem to have fun with it which means they might just remember to do it,” said Ms Rohleder.

The practical kits have a specifically designed box where children put their hands into the box using glogerm gel and then can see what is going on inside the box that is illuminated with a UV light.

The resource is for teachers and it includes suggested programmes, written lesson plans, non-fiction books, CD with songs and waiata and student handouts so the messages are reinforced at home and school.

Taranaki DHB public health nurse Dorothy Horwell said that the kits had been used in several schools and was well received.

“The feedback has been very positive and encouraging. Some schools have noticed they are going through a lot more soap, and the children have enjoyed learning about handwashing,” said Mrs Horwell.

Public health nurses are hoping to offer the kit to all primary schools in Taranaki by the end of term 3.”

ENDS

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