Overview:
October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, an opportunity to highlight the importance of handwashing for good health. Handwashing prevents the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from person to person. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to kill germs. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. It is recommended to wash hands for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after using the bathroom.
Objectives:
- Encourage adults and children to make handwashing part of their daily lives.
- Educate the community about the importance of handwashing.
- Raise awareness, through campaigns, about the importance of handwashing.
Facts:
- Teaching people how to wash their hands helps them stay healthy.
- Handwashing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses and about 20% of respiratory infections.
- Handwashing reduces school absenteeism in children due to gastrointestinal illnesses by 29-57%.
Official Date:
Globally: October 15th, 2024
Locally: Rabi Al-Akhar 12th, 1446H
References:
- Handwashing – why handwashing – CDC.
- Handwashing - when-how-handwashing- CDC.