World Handwashing Day

World Handwashing Day takes place on October 15 every year!

Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and cheap public health interventions in the world. On this day we celebrate handwashing as an accessible way to prevent disease and improve access to education, protect the health of patients and our communities and reduce inequities. Equitable access to hygiene facilities that allow us to wash our hands with soap helps us build a better future as we move towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and cheap public health interventions in the world. On this day we celebrate handwashing as an accessible way to prevent disease and improve access to education, protect the health of patients and our communities and reduce inequities. Equitable access to hygiene facilities that allow us to wash our hands with soap helps us build a better future as we move towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Since its creation in 2008, communities around the world have used World Handwashing Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about handwashing, equitable access to hygiene facilities and the benefits of cleaning our hands. Each year, more than 200 million people worldwide celebrate World Handwashing Day. Join the movement and make “Our hands, our future” a priority and a reality!

For more information on how to join the movement and to access resources that can help you in planning activities, visit the Global Handwashing Partnership website and register your event. The Global Handwashing Partnership is a coalition of international actors that promote handwashing with soap and recognize hygiene as a pillar of international development and public health.