The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is calling on the community to take preventive measures to protect against diarrheal diseases and pneumonia.
From January 2014 to December 2014, there were a total of 553 suspected gastroenteritis cases that were reported and registered.
From January 2015 to September 2015, there have been a total of 535 cases of suspected gastroenteritis reported and registered.
This week marks international infectious week. Hand hygiene is the most important measure to avoid the transmission of harmful germs and prevent health care associated infections.
Handwashing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrheal disease and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the majority of child deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Every year, more than 3.5 million children do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday because of diarrhea and pneumonia.
Handwashing should become automatic performed in homes, schools, daycare centers etc. Turning handwashing with soap before eating, or preparing food, and after using the toilet into an ingrained habit, could save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention, cutting deaths from diarrhea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by one-quarter.
Clean your hands by rubbing them with an alcohol-based formulation, as the preferred mean for routine hygienic hand antisepsis if hands are not visibly soiled. It is faster, more effective, and better tolerated by your hands than washing with soap and water.
For more information call CPS at 542-2078, 542-3003 or email surveillance@sintmaartengov.org