Global Handwashing Day

Global Handwashing Day History

Global Handwashing Day highlights the importance of handwashing as a simple, effective way to prevent the spread of diseases and save lives. The observance focuses on promoting proper handwashing techniques with soap and water among people of all ages, particularly in schools, healthcare facilities and households. It seeks to raise awareness about the benefits of hand hygiene not only for individual health but also for overall public health, aiming to reduce the prevalent burden of infectious diseases worldwide.

The observance of Global Handwashing Day dates back to 2008, with the UK playing an active role in promoting its core message. Each year, national and local organizations engage in various activities that focus on educating the public, especially children, about the significance of regular handwashing in maintaining good health. The British government, alongside non-governmental organizations, coordinates nationwide efforts to ensure public understanding of the necessity of handwashing as an essential practice in reducing the risk of various illnesses.

In the United Kingdom, Global Handwashing Day is celebrated through several events and activities aimed at reinforcing its importance. These activities include public handwashing campaigns, informational events in educational institutions and community workshops. Such initiatives often involve the participation of healthcare professionals, educators and volunteers who emphasize the need for proper handwashing techniques and hygiene practices in contributing to better health. Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on October 15, bringing the nation together in mutual recognition of the vital role this simple habit can play in improving public health outcomes.

Global Handwashing Day facts

• The theme for Global Handwashing Day in 2025 was It might be gloves, it's always hand hygiene. In 2024 the theme was Why are clean hands still important?. In 2023 the theme was Accelerate action together.
• 40 percent of the world’s population, or 3 billion people, do not have a handwashing facility with water and soap at home.
• Handwashing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the deaths of over 3.5 million children before their fifth birthday every year. The day serves to remind us of the importance of hand hygiene.
• According to the Royal Society for Public Health, 79% of people in the UK adopted new hand hygiene habits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 74% said they would maintain these habits after the pandemic ends.
• In the UK, community infections like foodborne illnesses, influenza, and Norovirus can often be traced back to insufficient handwashing. The UK's Food Standards Agency considers handwashing one of the most effective ways to prevent food poisoning.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Global Handwashing Day

Top things to do in the UK for Global Handwashing Day

• Host friendly competitions in your community to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing.
• For some ideas go to Activities for Global Handwashing Day.
• Start the day by educating yourself and your family about the importance of handwashing. Utilise online resources such as videos, infographics and articles.
• For kids, have a story time wherein you tell them stories emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene.