Guyana observed Global Handwashing Day on Wednesday with a demonstration by Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy and students at St Margaret’s Primary.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release video illustrations were also used to educate students about the practice of handwashing as part of the international hygiene agenda. The minister said prevention is the key to stopping the spread of some communicable diseases and “simple illnesses such as diarrhoea and pneumonia” can be cured if more persons practised handwashing.

Diarrhoea kills about 2000 children every year while pneumonia kills about two million and practising the simple habit of handwashing; with soap and water, could reduce these figures by half.

According to GINA the health and education ministries and their technical partner UNICEF are working to improve the sanitary conditions at every school. Ramsammy also urged the Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation, Geddes Grant and Ansa McAl whose representatives attended the launch, and the lion and rotary clubs, to join with UNICEF to improve sanitation in local schools.