Global Hand Washing Day (GHWD) is celebrated on 15th October every year to promote awareness and importance of proper hand washing practices.
The day is observed globally to highlight the significance of hand washing in controlling the spread of diseases and infections. The campaign was initiated by the Global Public-Private Partnership for Hand washing (PPPHW) in 2008 to reduce the number of people affected by hygiene-related diseases.
GHWD aims to educate people about the right technique and time for hand washing to prevent the spread of diseases, especially among children.
History of Global Hand Washing Day
The initiative to celebrate Global Hand Washing Day was taken by the PPPHW in 2008 to promote basic hygiene practices. Initially, it was recognized in only few countries, but gradually, it gained popularity and spread across the world.
The aim of the celebration was to educate people about hand washing practices and to reduce the incidence of hygiene-related diseases.
Why is Hand Washing Important?
Hand washing is essential in maintaining good health. It is the simplest and most cost-effective way to prevent the spread of infections and diseases.
Hand washing with soap and water is a crucial step that everyone must follow to remove dirt, germs, and viruses from the hands, which can cause numerous diseases. Proper hand washing can prevent gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses such as cold, flu, and diarrhea. Hand washing also helps to prevent the spread of infections like Coronavirus (COVID-19) and measles.
Hand Washing Technique
Clean hands can only be achieved by proper hand washing technique. People must follow the below-mentioned steps to ensure that they wash their hands correctly:.
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- wet hands with water
- apply soap
- lather the hands, including the back of the hands, between fingers, and under nails
- scrub for at least 20 seconds
- rinse hands thoroughly with water
- dry with a clean towel
The Right Time to Wash Hands
Hand washing must be done at regular intervals, especially at significant times. The times when one must wash their hands are as follows:.
- Before, during, and after preparing food and eating
- After using the washroom or changing diapers
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose
- After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling garbage
- Before and after treating a wound or cut
Importance of Hand Washing in Schools and Offices
Schools and offices are places where a large number of people gather. It is essential to practice proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of diseases. Hand washing is essential in schools to prevent the spread of illnesses among children.
Proper hand hygiene practices in schools can reduce the absenteeism rate due to illness. Hand washing at offices prevents the spread of diseases and infections among colleagues, hence ensuring a healthy work environment.
Global Hand Washing Day Celebration
The primary aim of observing Global Hand Washing Day is to encourage people to practice hand washing regularly. Several activities are conducted worldwide to raise awareness about hand washing practices.
Educational campaigns and events are organized in schools, community centers, and public places, stressing the importance of hand hygiene. Workshops on the right technique of hand washing are conducted to encourage people to follow the correct method. Hand washing demonstrations are also organized to teach children the importance of hand hygiene in a fun and interactive manner.
Health professionals and medical experts also actively participate in spreading awareness about hand washing practices on this day.
Conclusion
Global Hand Washing Day is an initiative that has gained significant momentum over the years. Proper hand washing techniques, when followed correctly, can prevent numerous diseases and illnesses.
The celebration of Global Hand Washing Day aims to raise awareness among people about the importance of hand hygiene. It encourages people to practice proper hand washing techniques to reduce the incidence of hygiene-related diseases.
