Washing Hands Saves Lives

According to a 2010 report consolidated by the Centers for Disease Control with information from the World Health Organization, 2,195 children die every day from diarrhea—which is more than AIDS, malaria and measles combined. The same report also states diarrheal diseases account for the second-highest cause of death among children under age 5. However, strides have been made to combat and neutralize these diseases, with many organizations and governments working together. One initiative that has found success are hand washing awareness programs.

Defense Against Disease

GFA is one among many organizations spreading hygiene awareness in Asia, most notably hand washing. Washing hands is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of disease. Programs organized by GFA-supported workers help bring to light the impact clean hands have on a person’s health.

In celebration of Global Handwashing Day, a group of GFA-supported Sisters of Compassion taught proper hand washing to those they serve in a leprosy colony. Equipped with videos, poems, handouts and demonstrations, the workers showed the children and adults how to properly and thoroughly wash their hands.

Fifty families that call this colony home, received a bottle of hand soap and instructions on how to use it. For many, this was a very new experience.

“I recall my younger age when I never got the chance to be taught such lessons,” one of the residents, Mahdat, says…

READ THE REST OF THE REPORT ON GFA-REPORTS.ORG

Discover how others are helped through GFA-supported awareness programs.

Learn more about the need for Medical Ministry. GFA-supported medical ministry is helping thousands who are in need of medical care and attention, all while displaying the love of Christ.