Let’s celebrate World Handwashing Day

Handwashing with soap and water is still one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent germ transmission and stay healthy. Hand washing can prevent one in every three diarrheal illnesses and one in every five respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu.

Global Handwashing Day serves as a yearly reminder that washing our hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. This year’s theme, “Unite for safety: clean your hands,” encourages us to work together to achieve universal hand hygiene.

Teach your child the importance of hand washing

1. Encourage your child to wash their hands before, during, and after eating food, playing with pets, using the restroom, blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.
2. Show your child how to properly wash their hands. Wet their hands with clean, running water, then apply soap. Lather their hands by rubbing them together for at least 20 seconds with the soap. Rinse their hands thoroughly with clean, running water before drying them with a clean towel or air drying them.
3. Remind your child that if soap and water are unavailable, a hand sanitiser will suffice.
4. Remind your child to wash their hands frequently at school. Studies have shown handwashing in schools reduces diarrhoea-related illnesses and respiratory infections, resulting in fewer missed school days.
5. Be a good role model. Children learn best when adults set a good example. So, wash your own hands in front of your child often.