Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. It can help protect you and your loved ones from a variety of diseases, including diarrhea, pneumonia, and COVID-19.
On Global Handwashing Day, we call on everyone to take action to promote handwashing with soap in their communities. Here are some things you can do:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. This is especially important before eating, after using the toilet, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Teach your children the importance of handwashing. Show them how to wash their hands properly and remind them to wash their hands often.
- Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to wash their hands. Talk to them about the benefits of handwashing and help them make it a habit.
- Support organizations that are working to promote handwashing with soap. You can donate your time or money to help these organizations reach more people with their message.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against disease and save lives by washing our hands with soap.
How to Wash Your Hands Properly
Washing your hands properly is essential to maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. To wash your hands effectively, follow these steps:
- Wet your hands: Use clean, running water (warm or cold) to wet your hands. Make sure your hands and wrists are thoroughly wet.
- Apply soap: Use enough soap to create a good lather. It’s important to use soap as it helps break down and remove dirt, grease, and germs from your skin.
- Lather up: Rub your hands together to create a soapy lather. Make sure to scrub every part of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds: It’s recommended to scrub for at least 20 seconds, which is roughly the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. This duration allows the soap to effectively kill and remove germs.
- Don’t forget your wrists and forearms: Extend the washing process to your wrists and even up to your forearms, especially if you’ve been handling food or other substances that may splash onto your arms.
- Rinse thoroughly: Hold your hands under clean, running water to remove the soap and loosened dirt and germs. Make sure all the soap is washed away.
- Dry your hands: Use a clean towel or air dryer to thoroughly dry your hands. Drying your hands is essential because wet hands can attract and spread germs more easily than dry hands.
- Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet: If you’re in a public restroom, it’s a good practice to use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door. This helps avoid recontamination from touching surfaces.
- Hand sanitizer (when soap and water aren’t available): In situations where soap and water are not accessible, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative. Apply a sufficient amount to cover all parts of your hands and rub until dry.
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The Benefits of Handwashing with Soap
Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and disease. It is simple and inexpensive, and it can save lives.
Here are some of the benefits of handwashing with soap:
- Reduces the risk of diarrhea. Diarrhea is a leading cause of death among children under the age of five. Handwashing with soap can reduce the risk of diarrhea by up to 50%.
- Reduces the risk of pneumonia. Pneumonia is another leading cause of death among children under the age of five. Handwashing with soap can reduce the risk of pneumonia by up to 25%.
- Reduces the risk of COVID-19. Handwashing with soap is one of the best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19. It can help remove the virus from your hands and prevent you from spreading it to others.
- Reduces the risk of other diseases. Handwashing with soap can also help reduce the risk of other diseases, such as the common cold, the flu, and food poisoning.
