Local and international health agencies collaborate on ‘Germ Buster,’ an infection-fighting campaign, across school system
Health workers have been making the rounds to a number of
schools across Antigua and Barbuda and promoting a “GERM
BUSTER” campaign.
This initiative is as a collaboration between the Ministry of Health
and Wellness; the Central Board of Health; UNICEF; and USAID,
which launched an infection-prevention campaign here on
September 26.
The campaign is focused on educating children and teachers on
ways of preventing infection. These include how to effectively wash
hands with soap and water and how to sanitize properly in
instances where water may not be available.
In addition they will learn the proper way to cover the mouth when
coughing; how to sneeze into the elbow or a tissue and how to
dispose of the tissue after; how not to touch the eyes, nose, ears and
mouth; and the importance of remaining current on vaccinations.
Public-health inspectors and environmental health aides attached to
the Central Board of Health will be carrying out the exercises at 30
schools across the country over the next few weeks.
Additionally, at those schools that have been visited already, the
children were taught a hand-washing jingle. Jennings Primary; S.R.
Olivia David Primary in Bolans; Golden Grove Primary; and Old Road
Primary School were the first to benefit from this exercise.
The schools were also provided with posters that were created
specifically with the programme in mind, and these depict
superheroes – dubbed GERM BUSTERS – fighting infection.
Masks and sanitizers were also donated to the schools.
Almst 200 students, to date, have benefited from the initiative.
Officials say the aim is to have each student see themselves not only
as a germ buster, but also to encourage other students to do the
same and join the fight.