The City of Cape Town is reminding residents that something as simple as regular handwashing with soap can cut diarrhoeal disease by nearly half.

As the city heads into the warmer months when cases of diarrhoeal disease typically increase, proper hygiene remains crucial.

Executive Support Officer to the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Anthea Hartzenberg, says good hand hygiene is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy.

“Handwashing was a critical weapon during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, since those restrictions eased, we’ve seen a relaxation in the hygiene habits that became routine during the pandemic. Handwashing with soap is an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases.”

Hartzenberg cautioned that diarrhoeal illness can be life-threatening for young children and urged parents to remain vigilant. She added that washing hands frequently doesn’t just prevent diarrhoea, it can also reduce the risk of colds and flu by up to 20%.

“As we head into summer, we’re encouraging families to make handwashing part of their daily routine, before meals, after using the toilet, and after handling waste. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.”

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