As South Africa prepares for the winter season, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, is urging the public, particularly those at high risk of severe influenza, to promptly seek flu vaccinations at their nearest public clinics or healthcare providers.
Nkomo-Ralehoko’s call to action coincided with the observance of World Hand Hygiene Day on Sunday.
This global initiative aims to raise awareness about the significance of hand hygiene in disease prevention, particularly in healthcare settings and communities.
Nkomo-Ralehoko urges high-risk groups to prioritise flu vaccination
Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasises the importance of vaccination, urging adults aged 65 and older, individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV and tuberculosis, and pregnant individuals to prioritise getting the flu vaccination as a safe and effective way to protect themselves and others from influenza.
In addition to promoting flu vaccination, Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed the critical role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases, especially respiratory infections.
“It is critical that health and care workers and the public at large make hand hygiene a non-negotiable routine in their daily lives as a simple, yet powerful tool to safeguard their wellbeing. Through advocacy and education, we can foster these good habits that help prevent the spread of diseases,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
With the theme of “Promoting knowledge and capacity building of health and care workers through innovative and impactful training and education, on infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene,” this year’s World Hand Hygiene Day underscores the importance of equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to implement effective infection control measures like flu vaccination.
Effectiveness of hand hygiene
Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted the effectiveness of hand hygiene in combating not only influenza but also other infectious diseases, referencing its pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent Cholera outbreaks.
“Hands should be washed with a soap or alcohol-based sanitiser for a at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands, including the palms, back of hands, between fingers, back of fingers, thumbs, fingertips, and wrists.”
To further promote hand hygiene awareness, the department of health will launch a week-long handwashing campaign from 5 May to 10 May. This initiative aims to educate healthcare workers, patients, and the general public about the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
As South Africa braces for the winter months, Nkomo-Ralehoko’s advocacy for flu vaccination and hand hygiene underscores the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding public health and mitigating the impact of respiratory infections.
