Global Handwashing Day is an annual advocacy event observed every year on October 15th. The day aims to promote handwashing with soap as a simple, effective, and affordable method for preventing several mild to chronic diseases and saving lives. Founded by the global handwashing partnership, Global Handwashing Day has continued to expand over the years. This day offers a chance to create and share innovative ways and encourage people to wash their hands with soap frequently. the theme for Global Handwashing Day 2024 is 'Why are clean hands still important?
Also Read: Global Handwashing Day 2023: Theme, Significance. Ways To Promote Hand Hygiene In Schools
History Of Global Handwashing Day
The first Global Handwashing Day occurred in 2008, when over 120 million children across more than 70 countries washed their hands with soap, thus stressing the importance of handwashing. From that day onwards, governments, schools, international organizations, NGOs, private companies, and individuals worldwide support this initiative each year.
Also Read: Clean Hands, The First Step To Good Health
How To Promote Handwashing?
Participating in Global Handwashing Day is a great way to support public health and encourage proper handwashing practices. Here are some meaningful ways by which you can actively become a participant in this social cause:
Practice Proper Handwashing: Show others the correct handwashing technique, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Educate People Around You: Tell people around you the benefits of keeping hands clean and reiterate the significance of handwashing with friends, family, and community members. This can be also advised to those from lower income groups and people from less educated background
Organize Handwashing Events: Host workshops, demonstrations, or awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, or in some communities.
Support Handwashing Initiatives: Contribute to organizations and programs in some way that actively promote hand hygiene, particularly in underserved areas.
Advocate for Handwashing Facilities: Promote improved access to handwashing stations in public areas and in schools.
Also Read: Global Handwashing Day 2022: The Importance Of Sanitizing For Healthier Living
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7 Common Illnesses Handwashing Can Prevent?
Unclean hands are one of the most common causes of illnesses and infections. Basic handwashing is a highly effective way to prevent various common illnesses. Here are 7 common diseases that proper hand hygiene can help to prevent:
Gastrointestinal Infections: Frequent handwashing reduces the risk of infections like gastroenteritis, which can be caused by norovirus or rotavirus
Foodborne Illnesses: Washing hands before handling food can prevent diseases like salmonellosis, caused by bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
Skin Infections: Proper hygiene can help reduce the spread of infections like impetigo or cellulitis. Clean hands also help to protect the body from skin allergies.
COVID-19: Good hand hygiene is crucial in reducing the transmission of the virus responsible for COVID-19 which may still be present in some form.
Hepatitis A: Handwashing can help prevent the spread of this liver infection, often transmitted through contaminated food and water.
Respiratory Anomalies: Regular handwashing can help prevent illnesses such as the common cold and flu which can come from viral and bacterial illnesses.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Keeping hands clean can help prevent the spread of this highly contagious eye infection.
(This content is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile, Preeti Sharma
Preeti Sharma has a Master's in Electronic Media and Mass Communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
References:
Impact of the world hand hygiene and global handwashing days on public awareness between 2016 and 2020: Google trends analysis
Yoshito Nishimura, MD, PhD, MPHa,
https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(21)00687-8/abstract
https://cleanindiajournal.com/global-handwashing-day/
