Diseases kids get for not handwashing

This simple yet powerful practice can save kids from preventable infections. Regular handwashing is an effective measure to protect children from getting sick.

After a long school break, however, it is easy for good habits like handwashing to slip. Below are some of the diseases that can arise from poor hand hygiene:

Skin & eye infections

Shared surfaces kids touch are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. Buni (ringworm), had-had (jock itch), pigsa (boil), kuliti (sty/stye), and sore eyes (conjunctivitis) are just some of the conditions kids can get when hands are not regularly washed.

Respiratory infections

Common cold, flu and Pneumonia are spread via droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted when kids touch contaminated objects.

Gastrointestinal infections

Kids will be prone to diarrhea, stomach flu, and food poisoning when hands are not properly washed  before meals or after using the restroom.

Germs are mainly passed by hands according to the World Health Organization (WHO).  As our young learners go back into school routine, it’s important to remind them how crucial handwashing is.

Even Unilever recognizes the role of handwashing with soap for the young’s health and safety.  Through Lifebuoy, one of its hygiene brands, the consumer goods giant partnered with Local Government Units (LGU) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to boost awareness and understanding of the handwashing as an intervention against diseases.

“Lifebuoy’s partnership with schools underscores our unwavering commitment to make hygiene accessible for every Filipino,” shared Anthony Chiang, Lifebuoy Business Performance Manager.

“Together, we empower the young generation with the right tools and knowledge to ensure a healthier life – one clean hand at a time,” Chiang added.

Lifebuoy has been bringing its health initiative to various communities via Barangay Caravans.  Participants, mostly students, parents, and teachers, were provided with Lifebuoy soaps and educational materials to help reinforce the practice of good handwashing.     

Since 2010, Lifebuoy’s handwashing program was able to reach over 1 billion people globally. It aims to continue its efforts in the Philippines by collaborating with the LGUs and DepEd for greater reach.  

Fostering good habits like handwashing can create a healthier and more resilient Philippines. Lifebuoy is poised to contribute significantly to this collective effort. For more health tips visit Lifebuoy’s social media.