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Awareness through Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to contain spread of Covid-19

On the occasion of the World Hand Hygiene Day, ASSOCHAM jointly organised a webinar with Narayana Health in the presence of Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. While interacting with industry leaders and delegates in the webinar, Choubey said, “While the entire world is grappling with the pandemic of Covid-19, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that awareness about hygiene and cleanliness through the Prime Minister's flagship nationwide campaign of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan helped India to contain the spread of coronavirus much better than various countries.”

He also said that viral diseases and infections are a grave challenge to the entire world. He added, “The pandemic of Covid-19 is a curse for global community including India and thus we need to become self-reliant in terms of dealing with this disease and defeat the same.”

Stating that there is a direct correlation between hygiene and good health, Choubey said, “Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways we have to protect ourselves and others from illness, especially hand washing as most infections are spread through dirty and unwashed hands. The more cleanliness and hygiene we maintain, the healthier we become.” He also lauded the government’s initiatives taken to boost the morale of frontline Covid-19 warriors including healthcare officials, sanitation workers, security forces, and others.

Sharing his views, Vineet Agarwal, Senior Vice-President, ASSOCHAM said, “As we battle Covid, hand hygiene will continue to be perhaps the most effective saviour and we believe it is very important today to reaffirm and highlight its importance.”  Deepak Sood, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM said that the important practice of hand hygiene is one of the most critical and effective tools to prevent the spread of coronavirus.