Miss Tourism Ghana (MTG)  on October 15 observed Global Handwashing Day with a visit to some health and educational institutions.

The 2020 Global Handwashing Day observation by Miss Tourism Ghana, focused on three main events; Observing hand washing protocols at the Tema General Hospital, a lesson on proper handwashing at the Tema Community 7 Basic School, and finally at the Nyaniba Nursing School.

Miss Tourism Ghana 2020 Princess, Abigail Nayram Tay, during the visit observed strict handwashing protocols that had been in effect way before the virus, a practice which had led to a sharp decline in patients testing positive for COVID-19.  

The MTG team met with the hospital’s Director, Dr Richard Anthony who reiterated the importance of handwashing and how it had resulted in saving many lives from COVID-19 and other viruses.

It was brought to the fore that the  COVID-19 pandemic provided a stark reminder that hand washing was one of the simplest ways to prevent the spread of any virus and ensure better health outcomes overall. 

At the Tema Community 7 Basic School, the Miss Tourism Ghana Princess had the opportunity to talk to children about the importance of hand washing and played a video which modelled a lesson on how to wash your hands properly. 

She further taught the students how to sneeze into their elbows, and cover a cough in order to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.  

“This was rewarding to see the future of Ghana practising healthy habits that would ensure a long and healthy life today and years to come” Miss Tay said.

The final event was hosted by Nyaniba Nursing School that provided an excellent opportunity for the MTG  team to interact with nurses and healthcare workers who reminded all and sundry the vital role they played in the communities by being on the frontlines providing essential care for all.

“It should not take a global pandemic to remind society how indebted we are to those who risk their lives in order to keep us safe and healthy,” Miss Tay added.

MTG revealed plans to extend Global Handwashing Day beyond a single day and highlight the crucial message year-round.

MTG thanked the many partners, collaborators, individuals, and supporters for making the day educational, engaging, and successful.

Initiated in 2008 by the Global-Public-Private-Partnership for handwashing with Soap (PPPHW), Global Handwashing Day, which falls on October 15, and endorsed by an array of governments, international institutions, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private companies and individuals. 

The day is set aside by UNICEF and partners to spread the message that “clean hands save lives” and to raise the profile of handwashing with soap as an important practice for promoting the health and development of all.