Hand hygiene lessons needed in the workplace

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.