Global Handwashing Day 2022: this year’s theme is Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene

October 17, 2022

October 15 is marked as Global Handwashing Day, with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. The world has leveraged the lessons from the last two years since the coronavirus outbreak took a toll on everyone.
As the world moves beyond COVID-19 to a new normal, it is time to accelerate hand hygiene progress to prevent any kind of infection, and it requires a collective effort to enact real change.
Additionally, the day is an opportunity to encourage people to maintain personal hygiene, including washing their hands, using hand sanitizers, and other appropriate toiletries. The day also observes government efforts in designing and replicating the hygiene message among its citizens.
The day was founded by the Global Handwashing Partnership, a coalition of international stakeholders who work explicitly to promote handwashing with soap. The first Global Handwashing Day was held in 2008, when over 120 million children around the world washed their hands with soap in more than 70 countries. Since then, Global Handwashing Day has continued to grow.
This year’s theme, “Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene”, calls on all of society to work together to scale up hand hygiene.