Hand hygiene, a fundamental barrier measure in the fight against epidemics (specialist)

Kinshasa, May 5^th, 2026 (CPA) – Hand hygiene is a fundamental barrier measure in the fight against epidemics, acting as the first line of defense to break the chain of transmission of bacteria and viruses, an eco-epidemiology specialist said on Tuesday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on the occasion of World Hand Hygiene Day, celebrated on May 5^th each year. “Hand hygiene is a fundamental barrier measure in the fight against epidemics, acting as the first line of defense to interrupt the transmission chain of bacteria and viruses. It is particularly crucial for contagious diseases such as cholera, Ebola and Mpox, which spread through direct or indirect contact,” said Dr. Germain Kapour, eco-epidemiologist. “Hand hygiene contributes specifically to the fight against these epidemics. Cholera is transmitted when people consume water or food contaminated by fecal matter. Washing hands with soap eliminates the Vibrio cholerae bacteria from hands after using latrines, changing diapers, or before handling food,” he added. According to Dr. Kapour, who is also an ecosystem health expert and researcher at the One Health Institute for Africa (INOHA) of the University of Kinshasa, diseases linked to poor hand hygiene include conjunctivitis, scabies, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, hepatitis A, and respiratory infections such as the common cold, influenza and bronchiolitis in infants. To wash hands effectively and eliminate germs, the doctor recommended rubbing the palms and fingers thoroughly, rinsing abundantly, and then drying with a clean towel. In this regard, he urged the population to adopt proper handwashing, which is not only a hygiene habit but also a powerful and accessible protective measure to prevent diseases and save lives. Dr. Kapour also called on authorities to raise public awareness about the importance of hand washing and to install hand washing facilities, particularly in public places. Held under the theme “Gloves, if necessary. Hand hygiene, always,” this day aims to improve the quality of healthcare by promoting proper hand hygiene.