WILLEMSTAD - The Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW), together with the World Health Organization, is taking action to make good hand hygiene accessible to everyone in Curaçao, in order to prevent the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. The action started on May 5th, World Hand Hygiene Day, at Ricardus Tehuis and will continue throughout the month of May.
During the month of May, the ministry will distribute free hand sanitizers and educational materials on good hand hygiene, particularly targeting vulnerable groups in society and healthcare providers. The free hand sanitizers will be distributed through general practitioner practices, community centers, nursing homes, and directly to the less fortunate in Curaçao. "During the COVID-19 period, we have seen that these target groups have suffered the most, and even now, this group is facing difficulties. As the Ministry of SOAW, we stand for well-being for everyone, and through this action, we promote good hand hygiene, which directly impacts the promotion of our well-being and the prevention and emergence of infectious diseases," said Minister Larmonie-Cecillia.
Good hand hygiene can save lives. Today and every day, we can increase this number by paying extra attention to good hand hygiene; thousands and even hundreds of thousands of additional lives can be saved now and in the future. That's why Larmonie-Cecilia continues, "It is important that we remain aware of the importance of good hand hygiene because infectious diseases and cross-contamination of viruses and bacteria through hands are still prevalent. By simply ensuring good hand hygiene, we save lives, reduce absenteeism due to illness, which ultimately results in lower healthcare costs."
The initiative is also supported by the CHV (Curaçao General Practitioners Association) and the Kurazorg Foundation, who are also assisting in the distribution of the free hand hygiene materials.