Bring Global Handwash into Mid-Day Meals

Global Handwashing Day was celebrated on October, 15, 2008.
It is a matter of delight and pride we had raised this topic in ‘Giving it a shot’ a couple of months back on 6th June , 2008
(http://gvk-givingitashot.blogspot.com/2008/06/two-simple-practises-for-better-health.html)

With increasing mortality and morbidity rates amongst our children and medical facility woefully inadequate, child specialists and educationalists have grappled with the question of how we can make our children from repeatedly falling sick and making them more and more hygene-conscious.It is while discussing this topic amongst friends, an idea came if we can somehow keep our children clean before they eat food, at least the poison from the toys, street muck, cattle bacteria could be kept away. The idea was strengthened by the fact that children stay half their waking hours in school and that is where they are most likely to pick up infections, bacteria, bugs and what have you.
Since a majority of schools provide hot midday meals to our children, if we can incorporate a system of thorough handwash with soap and drying up with a clean towel, it would be a major preventive and precautionary step and an important step in the right direction. It is not easy to put in to practice everyday and weeks and months. It needs great involvement from the school, the staff, the support staff and the parents themselves.
Since Government funds mid day meals, perhaps an incremental allocation for soap or soap solution, clean towel should take care of the necessary infrastructure. What is more important is the dedication, discipline by all involved to make this a success. Even Corporate Houses can be persuaded to get involved and fund this as part of their social commitment.
One thing is certain. If they get involved and make sure it is practiced until it becomes a habit, the rewards will follow like sunshine following darkness of night. And when something becomes a habit with children they will start practicing at home and make sure their parents do it too along with them.

The choice is clear. Should we spend an incremental amount and effort in inculcating a good habit bound to reap rich dividends in the long run or continue to spend large amounts on medicines, injections etc? Not to speak of missing school every now and then for small ailments that affect our children. This is even more relevant in schools in our villages.

For children, like Megha and Rahul, in the picture ,Preventive measures act as a chain with strong links .These links grow into safety shield as they grow and become powerful allies.

MYsore Netizens Association –MYNA is keen to take this up at various levels, through other NGOs, Government, and Corporate Houses etc to make this into a reality.
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MYNA
Mysore Netizens Association