Children suffer disproportionately from diarrhea diseases with more than 3.5 million children under five dying every year from diarrhoea and pneumonia related diseases.
Diarrhea is the second major cause of death among the children but Washing hands with soap can significantly cut the risk of diarrhea from 30 percent to 50 per cent, and that of respiratory tract infection nearly 25 percent, said Consultant paediatrician at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad Dr Ejaz Ahmed Khan. An awareness seminar to mark Global Handwashing Day was organized by Shifa International Hospital in Shifa's lush green lawn. This event aimed at increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of hand washing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. Doctors, school children, their parents, teachers and residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad attended the colourful show and awareness session to promote the healthy habit of hand washing particularly in children to prevent infections.-PR