Myriam Sidibe: The simple power of handwashing

Summary

The speaker passionately addresses the preventable deaths of millions of children under five, emphasizing the power of a simple bar of soap in reducing diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia. They highlight the importance of handwashing as a cost-effective life-saving habit, urging the private sector to leverage their influence in promoting this practice. The talk calls for collective action on Global Handwashing Day and the role of businesses in shaping social norms for better public health outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😢 Millions of children under five die each year from preventable causes, with diarrhea and pneumonia being the top two killers.
• 🤲 The simple act of washing hands with soap can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases and is a cost-effective way to save children's lives.
• 🌐 Despite the availability of soap in many households, cultural habits and perceptions often prevent its regular use for handwashing.
• 🏠 Children are particularly vulnerable to disease in their homes, which should be their safest environment.
• 👶 Early habits, such as handwashing, are hard to change but are crucial for preventing disease.
• 🌟 Iconic brands and the private sector have a significant role in promoting handwashing and can influence social norms.
• 🎓 The speaker has a strong educational background in public health and is dedicated to the mission of promoting handwashing with soap.
• 📈 There is a correlation between business growth in soap sales and a reduction in child mortality in areas where soap use has increased.
• 🎉 Global Handwashing Day is an opportunity for public and private sectors to unite in promoting this essential public health intervention.
• 🎥 Creative campaigns, like 'Help a Child Reach 5', use compelling storytelling to communicate the importance of handwashing to a wide audience.
• 🎁 Soap is presented as a meaningful gift for new mothers, emphasizing its role in nurturing and protecting newborns.

Q & A

What is the alarming statistic mentioned about children not reaching their fifth birthday?

6.6 million children never make it to their fifth birthday, with 60 planes full of babies under five crashing every day as a metaphor for the scale of this tragedy.

Why does the speaker express anger and determination about child mortality rates?

The speaker is angered and determined because most of these child deaths are preventable through simple measures such as handwashing with soap.

Which two diseases are mentioned as the top killers of children under five?

Diarrhea and pneumonia are the top two killers of children under the age of five.

How effective is handwashing with soap in preventing certain diseases?

Handwashing with soap can reduce diarrhea by half and respiratory infections by one third.

What is the impact of handwashing with soap on public health interventions?

Handwashing with soap is one of the most cost-effective ways of saving children's lives, potentially saving over 600,000 children every year.

What is the global statistic regarding handwashing after using the toilet?

Four out of five people globally do not wash their hands when they come out of the toilet.

Why do some households not use soap for handwashing as frequently as needed?

In some households, soap is considered a precious commodity and is used for multiple purposes, including bathing and laundry, leading to infrequent handwashing.

What role does the private sector play in promoting handwashing with soap?

The private sector, particularly brands like Lifebuoy, has a responsibility to promote handwashing with soap and can change social norms through their marketing efforts.

How does the speaker's background in public health influence her current work?

The speaker's background in public health, including a doctorate in handwashing with soap, has led her to work in promoting soap as a public health intervention, aiming to reach one billion people by 2020.

What is the significance of Global Handwashing Day celebrated on October 15?

Global Handwashing Day is a day when schools, communities, public and private sectors come together to celebrate and promote the importance of handwashing as a public health intervention.

How does the speaker suggest we can support new mothers and their families?

The speaker suggests that a simple yet impactful gift for new mothers and their families is soap, as it is a crucial tool in nurturing newborns and preventing diseases.