Handwashing has much potential as a method of reducing transmission of disease-causing germs. If done regularly and correctly, especially by people in contact with foods or who interact often with others, it can reduce the spread of many infectious diseases, from cholera to H1N1 (swine flu).

We might do well to also learn, along with this behaviour, to reduce that most redundant of gestures — the handshake. With the arrival of western culture, Africa’s traditional greetings were quickly replaced with the British handshake. But unlike these westerners who usually shake hands with those they meet for the first time or to signify a deal, most of us do it every day with those we know. The result is a significant passing along of bacteria that does not do us any good. This must stop.

There are numerous other lessons in hand hygiene we need to learn, such as not touching things in public places, not putting one’s fingers in one’s mouth or touching one’s eyes. All these ensure a lower risk of catching flu or stomach bugs. Given the social challenges to eliminating behaviours like handshaking, however, learning how to wash hands properly is the safest bet.

There is a campaign in schools on handwashing that, if maintained long enough and in more schools, will raise a generation of Kenyans with better awareness of hand hygiene. It makes sense for public sector schemes to conce-ntrate on this audience. The private sector, however, should also spread the word in workplaces or lose money to sick offs.