One of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is ensuring availability of handwashing facilities in all settings, especially health care facilities, schools and crowded public places, such as markets. Most public places where a lot of people gather remain hotspots for transmitting the virus and schools are not an exception.
Henry Mwale, AEHO at Lilongwe DHO, showing the steps for effective handwashing
With the partial opening of schools in Malawi on 7th September 2020, United Purpose (UP), with funding from UNICEF and in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health, started conducting handwashing demonstrations at primary schools.
In September, UP conducted handwashing demonstrations in three primary schools (Nguli, Chinamazo and Chimwasongwe) in Lilongwe Rural.
While most people, including school children, are aware of the importance of handwashing, few know how to effectively and thoroughly wash their hands. Thus, the demonstrations focused on teaching learners how to clean all surfaces and areas of their hands, fingers and wrists thoroughly.
Elliot, 16, is one of the learners at Chinamazo Primary school who took part in the demonstration and was very pleased with the activity.“I have learnt new ways of cleaning hands. I was not aware that scrubbing with soap extends to the wrist and that I have to scrub each finger on its own”, says Elliot, a Standard 8 learner.
Elliot from Chinamazo Primary School thoroughly washing her hands
The Area Environment Health Officer (AEHO) at Lilongwe DHO, Henry Mwale, and the School Health and Nutrition Coordinator for Lilongwe Rural Education Zone, Naomi Juma, commended UP for reaching out to schools with the activity.
A total of 196 learners from the three schools took part in the handwashing demonstrations.
Informed consent was obtained from the project participant for the publication of this image in accordance with UP’s safeguarding policy.