Saving Millions of Livesby Teaching a Good Practice
Global Handwashing Day, held onOctober 15 eachyear wasoriginally created for children and schools. The dayfocuses on childrenwho suffer disproportionately from
diarrheal disease and
acute respiratory infections, which are directly associated with poor sanitation andhygiene practices. Research also shows children can be powerful agents for changing behaviours such as handwashing with soap in communities.
Handwashing with soap is the most effective way to prevent diarrheal disease and acute respiratory infections, however, washing hands with soap is seldom practiced. Millions of children die from these diseases and infection in low and middle income countries, which combined together, are responsible for the majority of all child deaths.
Turning handwashing with soap before eating and after using the toilet into an ingrained habit could save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention.
Water and Sanitation Related Resources
For more information access Document Downloads on Water and Sanitation.
Find out more about why combating Acute Respiratory Infection and Promoting Access and Messages of Good Sanitation is so important.
