The City Health Office (CHO) of Davao City has reported a significant decline in diarrhea cases, attributing the improvement to its intensified handwashing campaign across schools, communities, and workplaces.
CHO Public Health Inspector Hersey E. Rubio said the decrease is largely due to heightened public awareness and consistent practice of proper hand hygiene promoted through the office’s outreach and education programs.
“Gamay nalang ang cases nato sa diarrhea cases because na practice na nila kung unsa ang proper handwashing pinaagi sa mga programa sa city health office. Nag visit mi sa school and community and ongoing na food safety orientation sa mga workplace,” Rubio said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR).
Rubio added that people are now more aware of how to prevent illnesses through regular handwashing.
Rubio emphasized that washing hands with soap and water is the most effective way to eliminate germs and prevent diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and respiratory infections.
“Ang paghugas sa kamot dili lang sya effective using water so, dapat naa tay sabon para matanggal gyud ang kagaw. Tubig og sabon para epektibo na matanggal ang kagaw sa kamot para dili maapil og kaon kung kita mag padulong sa atung pagkaonan,” she added.
The CHO official also urged establishments and households to ensure the availability of handwashing facilities.
Rubio said in areas where access to clean water is limited, alcohol-based sanitizers may be used, but she reiterated that soap and water remain the best method for proper hand hygiene.
“Dapat gyud siya himoong habit. Dapat isanay nato atung sarili na every time na naa tay gunitan og after gamiton manghugas tag kamot using soap and water,” she said.
The CHO advises washing hands for about one minute — roughly the time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice — to ensure proper and thorough cleaning.
