The human hand is one of our most important tools.
These amazing tools enrich our lives and let us reach each other, mostly for good, but also for bad. In that area there are easy steps through which we can all make a difference. Essity is knowledge-partner in the exhibition at Fotografiska, with our insights into the role of hands when it comes to our hygiene and health – there is hope.
As infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria become more widespread – and there are no treatments available – it’s important to know that soap and water can help to prevent these diseases. Soap and water don’t care about whether a bacteria is resistant or not.
With the Power of Hands exhibition, we and Fotografiska for Life – through Malin Fezehai’s photographic works – want to show the role that hands play in our life, and raise questions about the importance of good hand hygiene.
For those not able to travel to the museum, we have created an online experience. At your own convenience, you can experience the photos, insights and stories anywhere you like. We also included behind-the-scenes material and insights from our bi-annual survey on hygiene and health in areas such as menstruation, incontinence and hygiene at home.
Click on a language to visit the new Power of Hands digital exhibition:
More than half of the world’s population lacks access to adequate hygiene and sanitation. Poor hygiene can have devastating effects on a person’s health and disease outbreaks can rapidly affect entire communities.
The lives of 500 children with diarrhea could be saved daily with access to clean water and soap. 70% of healthcare-associated infections could be reduced through improved hygiene practices.
Malin Fezehai is an Eritrean/Swedish New York based photographer and visual reporter, and has worked in over 30 countries in the middle-east, Africa, Asia and America. Malin was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme to photograph survivors of violent extremism across Sub-Saharan African, and published a book titled “SURVIVORS” that sought to remind audiences about the growth of violent extremism and the devastating impact on the civilian population.
The report highlights the importance of prioritizing hygiene and health throughout the life course. It shows how efforts can contribute not only to personal well-being but also to societal development, ie contribute to UN SDGs.
It also aims to influence public policy to raise hygiene and health standards globally.
Read the report:
English | French | Spanish | Swedish | Russian | German
New insight research study with results on hand hygiene behavior and attitudes from people in 6 countries (Germany, Sweden, UK, US, Mexico, France)
Otto Cars, senior professor of infectious diseases at Uppsala University, Sweden, contributes in the exhibition with his reflections on the crucial issue of multi-resistant bacteria, which Power of Hands helps to raise and focus on. Otto Cars became a specialist in infectious diseases in the early 1970’s at the Medical Faculty, Uppsala University, Sweden. Otto Cars´ engagement in the global consequences of antimicrobial resistance led in 2005 to the creation of the independent international network ReAct –Action on Antibiotic Resistance- which is funded primarily by the Swedish International development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and is working on all continents as a catalyst, advocating for and supporting multilevel engagement on antibiotic resistance.
Austria 
Belgium 
Denmark 
Finland 
France 
Germany 
Italy 
Mexico 
Netherlands 
Norway 
Poland 
Spain 
Sweden 
United Kingdom 
USA