While Hand, Foot and Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is on the downtrend in Malaysia with 106,477 cases reported as of 18 June 2022, it is still an approximately 39 fold increase compared to the 2,710 cases[1] reported for the same period last year, according to the latest report by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a very contagious common illness which typically affects children below 5 years of age, although adults and older children can also be infected.
HFMD is highly transmissible, and childcare settings are the most common places for HFMD to be contracted because of toilet training, diaper changes, and the fact that children often put their hands into their mouths.
What can we as parents do to keep the little ones safer?
To accompany Malaysian parents in combating HFMD, Antabax, Malaysia's leading Halal anti-bacterial personal care brand is partnering with R.E.A.L Kids, the country’s largest owner-operated kindergarten chain with 45 centres and 3,600 students nationwide by equipping students, teachers and staff with Antabax care kits for on-the-go personal hygiene, and creative education materials to raise understanding of the dos and don’ts of HFMD.
“As a leading brand in hygiene and sanitation solution for consumers, Antabax is committed to providing regular education and continuous access to strengthen healthy and hygenic habits, and together creating a healthier and cleaner community. Good personal care, good hygiene especially hand hygiene may help prevent the spread of HFMD. Through Antabax product solutions, we trust that parents and teachers play an important role in teaching children to wash or sanitise their hands frequently before and after eating, as well as before and after going to the toilet, after group activities or touching suspect surfaces, and avoid sharing or touching other children, sharing water bottles, food or toys[2]. Provide your child with their own sanitiser and show them how to use it, and when to use it too! Clean hands keep us safe,” says Chua Su Fee, Marketing Manager from Antabax. She further remarked that this activity is only the beginning of Antabax’s long-term commitment to continuously contribute and bring a positive impact on Malaysian families.
Speaking on the partnership with Antabax, Ng Ming-yan, Operations Manager at R.E.A.L Kids says, “We are glad to partner with Antabax once again, as the brand continues to educate and raise awareness on infectious diseases that affect children in a creative and timely manner. We would also remind parents to reinforce good hygiene behavior at home, and to wipe down their little ones’ belongings to reduce the spread. Always remind your child to keep their hands away from their mouth, and if they are unwell do not send them to school but take them to a clinic or hospital for diagnosis[3].”
Antabax will be sharing educational materials and tips on reducing the spread of HFMD, which will be distributed to all R.E.A.L Kids students nationwide. Content includes creative discussion and activities sheets for students developed by teachers and caregivers on reducing the risk of HFMD. The brand continues its role as an enabler to encourage parents, students and teachers to get back in action by emphasizing good personal hygiene practices, which is in-line with its #BaxInAction theme.
The brand will be contributing its products including antibacterial sanitizer spray, bar soap and antibacterial wipes which able to kill 99.9% of germs and give parents peace of mind about their child’s hygiene.
A promotional voucher that can be used on Antabax products purchase is provided to support parents in making their next Antabax purchase.
[1] https://kpkesihatan.com/2022/06/21/kenyataan-akhbar-kpk-21-jun-2022-situasi-semasa-kejadian-penyakit-tangan-kaki-dan-mulut-hfmd-di-malaysia-me-24-2022/
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/prevention.html
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/prevention.html
