In the recent era of the COVID pandemic, one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs is handwashing with soap and water. Keeping hands clean can prevent you from digestive and respiratory illnesses, such as a cold or the flu.
A global campaign
GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY is an international campaign to advertise and motivate people to wash their hands. Globally, it has been celebrated on 15 October every year. Every year different campaigns are raised to emphasize the importance of washing hands with soaps. It is an effective way to prevent you from illnesses and the further spread of diseases.
When was it initially started?
The global handwashing day movement was set up to reduce the risk of childhood mortality rates and related respiratory and diarrheal diseases. Diarrhoea and pneumonia together make up to 2.5 million child deaths. The Global Handwashing Day was first conducted globally in 2008 when over 120 million children washed their hands with soap in more than 70 countries. The community and leaders then choose this opportunity to spread the word further. They built handwashing sinks and taps within access of people to make the campaign a success. Now, each year about 200 million people around the world celebrate global handwashing day.
Why is it important?
At the current rate of progress, only 78 per cent of people will have access to a hand hygiene facility by 2030, leaving approximately 1.9 billion people behind.
"OUR FUTURE IS AT HAND- LET'S MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER" is the theme of the 2021 campaign of handwashing day. As we move beyond the pandemic and into a new normal, we must maintain momentum and move forward together toward universal hand hygiene. Hands' hygiene has always been an essential part of good health. Washing hands also helps in the prevention of COVID-19 in this ongoing pandemic.
Aims of Global Handwashing Day
The main objectives of global handwashing day are
- To pump the idea of keeping hands germs free.
- To encourage nations to maintain this culture and campaign annually.
- Creating awareness by keeping people informed about the importance of washing hands.
- Making handwashing practice one's habit and a vital part of life.
Times at which hand should be washed strictly
There are some specific times in which we should necessarily wash hands to avoid thriving germs.
- After using bathrooms
- After going to public places
- Before and after eating and preparing food
- After coughing, sneezing and blowing your nose
- Before and after touching your face or masks