Global Handwashing Day was marked with significant emphasis on the importance of hand hygiene in disease prevention. Gopal Jadhav, Chief Marketing Manager of Punjas Group, underscored how effective handwashing can combat illnesses like diarrhoea, influenza, typhoid, and respiratory infections, particularly relevant during the cyclone season when the risk of disease spread is heightened due to unsanitary conditions.
Jadhav stated, “For years, we’ve been manufacturing hygiene products for Fijian homes from laundry and dishwashing soaps to our Bodyguard and MedX Antibacterial Cleansing Bars.” These products play a vital role in not just cleaning but also in actively battling germs to prevent infections. In response to health challenges such as COVID-19, Punjas Group remains dedicated to innovating their product line to better safeguard families, schools, and workplaces.
During the event, Health Inspector Rakesh Kumar recognized the importance of hygiene awareness, particularly in schools and communities. He remarked that while the Western Division currently has no cases of typhoid, the community must remain vigilant about cleanliness. “We must work together,” he emphasized, addressing concerns about the potential spread of preventable diseases like typhoid, leptospirosis, and dengue if hygiene is neglected.
The event featured visual demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka, with Health Inspector Lautoka Yasawa Makenesi Cavakilagi engaging students directly to highlight the significance of hand hygiene among the youth.
This initiative resonates with the broader goal of community engagement during Global Handwashing Day, encouraging Fijians to adopt simple yet effective habits that can yield considerable health benefits. The collaboration between the Punjas Group and the Ministry of Health exemplifies a positive model of how public and private sectors can unite to promote enhanced community health practices. Together, they are cultivating a culture of hygiene awareness and preventive care, aimed at securing a healthier future for generations to come.