Annually on October 15, the world observes Global Handwashing Day as a way to promote hand hygiene awareness. The Global Handwashing Partnership founded it in 2008, and its main goal is to raise awareness of handwashing with soap as one of the most economical and efficient ways to avoid illnesses, especially respiratory and diarrheal ones.
In 2008, more than 70 nations observed the first Global Handwashing Day, during which 120 million children from all across the globe used soap to wash their hands. Global Handwashing Day was established in 2008 by local and national leaders to raise awareness about handwashing, install sinks and tippy taps, and highlight the ease and importance of keeping hands clean. Global Handwashing Day has grown every year since then. Governments, educational institutions, businesses, individuals, NGOs, civil society organizations, and more support Global Handwashing Day.
Theme of Global Handwashing Day 2024
This year, Global Handwashing Day 2024 theme is “Why are clean hands still important?”
The theme emphasizes how important good hand hygiene is still, particularly in light of global health and development.
Since 43% of facilities worldwide do not have handwashing stations, hand hygiene is very important in limiting the transmission of disease in medical facilities. Promoting handwashing habits requires physical development as well as behavioral changes, particularly in places where access to soap and clean water is scarce.
Handwashing with soap is one of the easiest and most successful strategies to save lives, as it can cut respiratory infections by 25% and diarrheal disorders by 50%. Hand hygiene is a public health concern because, in spite of this, 2 billion people worldwide still lack access to even the most basic handwashing facilities at home.
How to get Involved
By holding handwashing campaigns, disseminating information on social media, and promoting good hygiene habits in their neighborhoods, schools, governments, organizations, and individuals may all take part.
Promote the construction of infrastructure: Encourage initiatives aimed at expanding access to clean water and restrooms, particularly in underprivileged areas
Swikriti
