Global Handwashing Day

What Is Global Handwashing Day?

October 15th is "Global Handwashing Day." It was established in 2008, the International Year of Sanitation, by the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap -- a group of international organizations, universities, and companies working on water and sanitation, including UNICEF and the World Bank. The day promotes proper handwashing with soap around the world to prevent infectious diseases.

Washing with Soap Saves Lives

Around the world, young children still lose their lives to diseases that could be prevented. Handwashing with soap is considered one of the simplest and most effective preventive measures.

• Year:2008, the International Year of Sanitation
• Established by:the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap, including UNICEF and the World Bank
• Purpose:to spread proper handwashing with soap to prevent infectious diseases
• How long:washing every part properly is said to take about 20 seconds

"Proper Handwashing" Is Harder Than It Sounds

Beyond the palms, there are many easily missed spots: the backs of the hands, between the fingers, the fingertips, the thumbs, and the wrists. The Japan Committee for UNICEF runs awareness campaigns around this day, noting that proper handwashing with soap can prevent diarrhea and pneumonia and save many children's lives. In Japan, January 15th is separately known as "Handwashing Day" as well.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Wash your hands carefully with soap for 20 seconds
• Pay attention to easy-to-miss spots like between your fingers and your fingertips
• Restock soap and towels in the washrooms at work and at home
• Go over handwashing songs and steps with your children

A 20-Second Habit Protects You and Those Around You

Handwashing is an infection-prevention measure anyone can do right now. October 15th is a day to rethink an everyday habit and focus on doing it properly and thoroughly.