Good hygiene makes you socially acceptable – Medical Doctor

By Solomon Tetteh Nartey

Medical doctor Dr Charles Ahiagbe has underscored the importance of personal hygiene as a vital step in safeguarding health and promoting social wellbeing.

According to data from the Ghana Health Service (GHS), preventable hygiene-related illnesses continue to strain the country’s healthcare system, particularly in densely populated urban areas and underserved rural communities.

Despite national campaigns such as the ‘Clean Ghana’ initiative and periodic sanitation days, open defecation, indiscriminate littering, and improper waste disposal persist in many parts of the country.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that access to improved sanitation in Ghana remains below 25 per cent, posing serious public health risks.

Speaking on the Business Breakfast Show on Zed 101.9FM, Dr Ahiagbe explained that good hygiene does more than protect individuals from infections, it also makes them socially acceptable.

“People often say dress how you want to be addressed. In the same way, keeping yourself clean creates opportunities and builds confidence. Something as simple as trimming your nails prevents germs from hiding in hard-to-reach areas that handwashing may miss,” he said.

The medical doctor emphasised the need for consistent hygiene practices, including proper handwashing, regular changing of underwear, maintaining oral health, and keeping hair clean. He noted that ignoring these basics could create breeding grounds for diseases.

Dr Ahiagbe also advised Ghanaians to adopt protective practices such as wearing face masks when necessary, not only for personal safety but to prevent passing germs to others.

“It’s not always about you feeling okay. Think about the next person. Wearing a mask, for instance, helps contain germs and stops them from spreading within the wider community,” he stressed.

Dr Ahiagbe further raised concerns about environmental practices that continue to threaten public health.

He pointed to indiscriminate littering, poor waste disposal, and open defecation as major challenges that must be addressed collectively.

“These habits contaminate our environment and put entire communities at risk of outbreaks. We all have a responsibility to keep our surroundings clean,” Dr Ahiagbe indicated.

He urged citizens to take hygiene seriously, both at the individual and community levels, as a key step towards reducing preventable diseases and promoting healthier living in Ghana.