Continue with the practice of washing hands: VP M Venkaiah Naidu to citizens

NEW DELHI: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday cautioned that with the flattening of the Covid pandemic curve, people should not lower their guard and should continue with the practice of washing hands frequently.

Virtually addressing the national 'WASH Conclave-2022', the Vice President said that children should grow up in a healthy environment - physically and emotionally.

"Preventive healthcare measures such as safe water, sanitation and hygienic practices begin from anganwadis and primary schools," he said. He underlined the importance of basic amenities like safe drinking water and sanitation in preventing diseases and contributing towards the overall well-being of people and Naidu cautioned that with the flattening of the Covid pandemic curve, people should not lower their guard and should continue with the practice of washing hands frequently.

Observing that taking forward the WASH agenda to Gram Panchayats is critical, Naidu stressed the need to ensure institutional strengthening of the Panchayats for effective service delivery to the last mile.

"This is a key aspect of governance which I always emphasize --efficient last-mile delivery of services in every field -- holds the key to fast-tracking all-around development," he said.

The Vice President noted that as a nation, we need to ensure that every household gets all the basic facilities - the most essential of them being WASH-related and this can be realized only if a vast array of players joins hands with singular focus and determination.

The Vice President observed that in many Indian languages the word water is associated with 'Jeevan, which means life'.

Quoting the oft-repeated sentence 'Jal hi Jeevan hai', Naidu said, "Our forefathers saw the underlying truth behind this statement centuries ago -- we have, therefore, for millennia, worshipped life-giving rivers across the length and breadth of this vast country."

Calling the adequate amount of safe drinking water for every rural household a basic necessity, Naidu said that India is making considerable progress in this regard.

He called for further fast-tracking and bestowing greater attention to all aspects relating to WASH facilities in both rural and urban areas.

The three-day virtual conclave on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is being organized by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad in association with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, UNICEF and other development partners. 

7 steps of washing hands

Step 1: Wet Hands

Wet your hands and apply enough liquid soap to create a good lather. The temperature of the water should be between 35ºC and 45ºC.

Step 2: Rub Palms Together

Rub your hands palm to palm in circular motions. Rotate clockwise and anticlockwise.

Step 3: Rub the Back of Hands

With your fingers linked through the other hand, use your right palm to rub the back of your left hand. Then swap.

Step 4: Interlink Your Fingers

Link your fingers together, facing each other, into clasped hands. Then rub your palms and fingers together.

Step 5: Cup Your Fingers

Cup your fingers together, with your right hand over and your left hand under. With your fingers interlocked, rub the backs of them against your palms. Then swap.

Step 6: Clean the Thumbs

Enclose your right hand around your left thumb and rub as you rotate it, then swap.

Step 7: Rub Palms with Your Fingers

Rub your fingers over your left palm in a circular motion, then swap.

Benefits of washing hands during covid-19

With COVID-19 transmission mainly spreading between people through direct, indirect (through contaminated objects or surfaces), or close contact with infected people via mouth and nose secretions, washing hands with soap and running water is of critical importance. To stop the spread of COVID-19, along with other COVID appropriate behaviours, the practice of handwashing at regular intervals is a must, after coughing or sneezing, when caring for the sick, after using the toilet, before eating, while preparing food and after handling animals or animal waste. Handwashing after touching common surfaces such as doorknobs or handles, or after one comes back home from visiting a public place will keep ourselves and others around us safe.

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