GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY

“Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene.”

Global Handwashing Day is an annual global advocacy day celebrated on 15th October, dedicated to advocating for handwashing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

The first Global Handwashing Day was held in 2008, when over 120 million children around the world washed their hands with soap in more than 70 countries. Since 2008, community and national leaders have used Global Handwashing Day to spread the word about handwashing, build sinks and tippy taps, and demonstrate the simplicity and value of clean hands.

Diarrhea and pneumonia are leading causes of death among children under the age of five. Handwashing with soap is among the most effective and affordable way to prevent these diseases. Handwashing with soap impacts not just health and nutrition, but also education, economics, and equity.

Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.