DUBAI, 20 September 2006 — Two health experts emphasized at a seminar organized here by Reckitt Benckiser the need to educate the masses on the practice of good hygiene, which in turn would lead to a clean, healthy environment for the family.

Professor John Oxford of Britain, chair of the Hygiene Council, and professor Tariq Ahmed Madani of Saudi Arabia, adviser to the minister of health, detailed the necessity for good hygiene in making it a preventive tool. They both said that through these practices families, and in turn the societies, can live the adage that prevention is better than cure.

The seminar highlighted the fact that though it is unrealistic and not prudent to make any environment totally germ free, practicing good hygiene could eliminate most of the bacteria and provide protection to the family. They said there are four main methods to achieve this: cleaning (hands, utensils, etc.), disinfectants (for surfaces, toys, toilets, etc.), heat (washing and cooking) and drying.

Oxford said that the Hygiene Council has begun the initiative to better inform public that the best weapon in the fight against the spread of infections such as avian flu or SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is good hygiene.

Madani, during a question and answer session, said the Saudi government has effective controls in place to combat infections, and the Ministry of Health has always taken the lead in launching awareness campaigns in both Arabic and English to stem infections.

He cited the recent case of dengue fever in Jeddah when the MOH launched a media blitz to counter the mosquito-borne disease.

When asked whether the government would help subsidize disinfectants to enable people to avail them, he said, “They may consider it,” adding “Many disinfectants are available in the market at affordable prices and people should make use of it. It would help them ward off infections and possible later complications.”

When asked whether the immunity would be lowered in such a clean environment, he said, “No, this is not true. I agree people in past told their children to go out and play and get dirty to get stronger. Yes it does help those who are already strong. But if a person is physically weak then he or she could be infected by the unclean and in some cases there could be a risk to their lives.”

As part of its new global initiative, the Hygiene Council recently released a survey, which found that the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs in the home was to use disinfectants. Out of the 1,000 people surveyed 48 percent said they would use disinfectant on a regular basis, and 32 percent said that they would wash their hands regularly and 10 percent said they would prevent animals from entering their home and 11 percent said they would avoid having close physical contact with family and friends.

An increasing number of people are aware of the importance of good hygiene in daily life, yet many admit they do not always follow through. This is what both the experts wanted to emphasize and correct. And in this they called on the professionals to take the lead.