Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on October 15, to increase awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as a simple, easy, effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

Hands are the leading carriers of germs that cause diarrhea and respiratory infections like pneumonia. Handwashing at critical times such as before preparing meal or after using the toilet, stops the spread of disease-causing germs. Handwashing education in the community can:

1. Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by about 23-40%

2. Reduce diarrheal illness in people with HIV by about 58%

3. Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by about 16-21%

The theme this year is “Clean Hands – a recipe for health,” which emphasizes the association between handwashing and food and is a reminder to make handwashing a part of every meal. … (Source: Global Handwashing Partnership, CDC).