International Epidemic Preparedness Day – What can we do?

It seems like it happened in another universe, in another time, in another life…. but it was only a few years ago that we lived through a nightmare of uncertainty: the Covid 19 pandemic.

Today, we may have the feeling that we are no longer facing the threat of a new pandemic, but this could not be further from the truth. It is still important to have in mind those frightening times and the sense that the same threat is still just around the corner. Because it can (and will) happen again.

As a reminder, the UN has designated 27 December as International Epidemic Preparedness Day. This is an important recognition of the need for robust systems to prevent, detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and to respond to the devastating impact of pandemics, which can cause significant disruption to societies and economies, overwhelm health systems and affect the most vulnerable populations. Prevention is therefore critical, and preparedness is the most effective response.

At Christeyns, we worked tirelessly during the last pandemic to provide the market with the essential cleaning and disinfection products to create safe environments. We continue to do this every day because, although out of the spotlight, there are still needs to be met everywhere, all the time, which is why we are committed to producing the most effective products every day and continue to develop the most advanced and effective products we can for industries such as laundry, food, healthcare or professional hygiene.

So why is cleaning and disinfection so important?

First and foremost, maintaining cleanliness in common areas and practising regular disinfection are fundamental to preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Cleaning and disinfecting rooms, objects and hands also helps to eliminate microorganisms, reducing the risk of infection and promoting general health.

Regular cleaning of high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches and worktops is essential to keep people safe as these surfaces can harbour germs that are spread by touch. Cleaning with soap and water removes dirt and most germs, while disinfecting with appropriate chemicals kills any remaining germs. high-touch items such as telephones, keyboards and remote controls are often touched with unclean hands and can become vectors for disease transmission. Disinfecting these items regularly can significantly reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Finally, regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and disease outbreaks. Hand hygiene is especially important before eating, after using the toilet and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces.

By incorporating these practices into daily routines, individuals can contribute to a healthier environment and reduce the likelihood of disease outbreaks.

Lessons learned from past epidemics underscore the importance of preparedness and proactive measures to protect public health.

Find out more about our solutions here or ask for expert advice on your specific needs.