Global Handwashing Day 2024: Date, Significance, History and Celebration

Every year October 15 is observed all over the world as Global Handwashing Day. The day was established by an organization named Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing (PPPHW) with the aim to increase awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective as well as cheap way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Global Handwashing Day Overview

Global Handwashing Day 2023 Date

I have mentioned the date and day of celebration of Global handwashing day:

Importance of Handwashing

Proper handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia. Diarrhea and pneumonia are some of the leading causes of death for children under the age of five. But by adopting the simple habit of washing hands properly with soap and water, spread of these diseases can be cut to almost half and quarter respectively. In the wake of coronavirus, the need of washing hands with soap has increased manifolds. In the long run, handwashing not only affects health of an individual but has impacts on economy of the society as well.

The many benefits of handwashing with soap can be enjoyed only if the practice of handwashing is carried out properly with soap and clean water, cleaner at the least. In regions where soap is not available, alternatives such as soil or ash can work too. However, it is very rare that people take handwashing seriously and follow all the rules for a clean, bacteria-free hand. It is therefore important that governments, private sectors, civil society and other stakeholders work together to promote handwashing with soap.

Significance of Global Handwashing Day

Handwashing with soap and water is not only effective but a very affordable way to protect yourself from infections and diseases caused by them. But only everyone if familiar with this fact and it is important to create ways to raise awareness among such people. The time to accelerate hand hygiene progress is now than ever and requires a collective effort to commence some change for real.

History of Global Handwashing Day Observation

The Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing is a coalition of multilateral organizations, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, private sector companies, and USAID that works together to promote global handwashing with soap. This body was formed in 2001 and launched many handwashing promotion programs in Ghana, Senegal, and Peru.

In 2008, the PPPHW after a meeting with all its members initiated the celebration of Global Handwashing Day on October 15 and the first Global Handwashing Day was observed on 15 October 2008. 120 million children in 73 countries across five continents washed their hands with soap to celebrate the day. Global Handwashing Day has been celebrated annually around the world since 2008.

Also check: Other days in October

Global Handwashing Day Celebration

Advocates of Global Handwashing Day take this day as an opportunity to spread awareness of the importance and benefits of washing hands with soap and water. On this occasion, many events and seminars are organized by these advocates and many other organizations to make people aware of the importance of handwashing.

You can also take part in the celebrations by joining these events virtually. Take initiative and organize handwashing awareness programs in your society. You can get resources like posters and leaflets from the official website of Global Handwashing Partnership and share them with your community. But since ‘charity begins at home’, it is essential that you first be adoptive of correct handwashing practice before you went on with spreading awareness.

FAQs