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Wearing gloves not a substitute for hand washing – Health minister

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Minister for Health Mr Akandoh washing his hands to commemorate hand hygiene day
Minister for Health Mr Akandoh washing his hands to commemorate hand hygiene day

 The wearing of gloves have become increasingly common in various settings, including healthcare, hospitality and even in public places as a perceived means of protection against germs and diseases.

However, the Minister of Health, Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, at the com­memoration of the World Hand Hy­giene Day (WHHD) on Monday, he said wearing gloves was not a substitute for proper hand hygiene practices.

Although gloves were indispensable in clinical care, the Health Minister stated that hand washing was the safest and effective way to protect public health and prevent the spread of infections.

Mr Akandoh gave the reminder when Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD).

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The day, which was celebrated on the theme: ‘It might be gloves, it’s always hand hygiene,” is aimed at underscoring the importance of proper hand hygiene, especially in healthcare settings over the reliance on gloves.

“Hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost, yet extraordinary powerful intervention that saves lives, reduces healthcare-associated infections and protects both patients and healthcare providers,” Mr Akandoh explained.

He said consistent practice is es­sential- from both top administrator to frontline staff. He also called the public to adopt hand hygiene as a lifestyle.

“Importantly, we have set a bold target: by 2026, all regional and teaching hospitals in Ghana will rou­tinely monitor hand hygiene compli­ance and provide regular feedback as an integral part of their quality frameworks,” he added.

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Mr Akandoh further indicated that the Ministry was committed to ensuring sustainable hand hygiene infrastructure across all public health facilities and support local production of affordable hygiene products.

He said his outfit will also promote waste management systems aligned with environmental sustainability principles and encourage health train­ing institutions to prioritise hygiene in their pre-ser­vice curricula.

Again, He called on Ghanaians and healthcare pro­viders to extend hygiene education beyond hospital walls into homes, schools and communities to nurture a lasting culture.

In a message delivered on be­half of the World Health Organisa­tion (WHO), the representative, Dr Fank Lule, said healthcare workers play a critical role in preventing the spread of pathogens and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) by adopting and practicing frequent hand hygiene as part of their routine work.

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He also indicated that evidence suggests about 70 per cent of health care workers do not routinely prac­tice hand hygiene and yet studies have shown that practicing routine hand hygiene achieves a reduction in healthcare associated infections.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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NTC ladies observe Int’l Women’s Day

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Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.

THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.

Mrs Quaittoo delivering her address.

In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.

Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.

• Mrs Quaittoo (third from left) with Mr Alfred Koomson (fifth from right) with other members of the Associatrion

Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.

• Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association

Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.

According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.

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She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.

Some of the NTC Management members with some of the ladies.

Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.

Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.

He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.

Acting News Editor of The Spectator Mr Andrew Nortey (left) with some ladies of NTC

He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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Ghana commemorates 69th Indece anniversary

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Mr Anyetei (right) being assisted by Ms Sowah (second row, second from left) and Ms Kotomah (third row, left) to inspect the parade Photo Victor A. Buxton

GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.

This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.

At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.

The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.

As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.

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