Global Handwashing Day takes place on Sunday, 15th of October! The 2017 theme is "Our hands, our future!" This theme allows us to reflect on the importance of washing our hands to protect our own health to build our future, as well as that of our communities.
Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and inexpensive public health interventions in the world. On this day, we celebrate handwashing as an accessible way to prevent illnesses and in so-doing improve access to education, protect health of patients and our communities, and reduce inequities. Equitable access to hygiene facilities that allow us to wash our hands with soap helps us build a better future as we work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Global Handwashing Day takes place on Sunday, 15th of October! The 2017 theme is "Our hands, our future!" This theme allows us to reflect on the importance of washing our hands to protect our own health to build our future, as well as that of our communities.
Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and inexpensive public health interventions in the world. On this day, we celebrate handwashing as an accessible way to prevent illnesses and in so-doing improve access to education, protect health of patients and our communities, and reduce inequities. Equitable access to hygiene facilities that allow us to wash our hands with soap helps us build a better future as we work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Since its inception in 2008, communities around the world have used Global Handwashing Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about handwashing, equitable access to hygiene facilities, and the benefits of cleaning our hands. Each year, over 200 million people worldwide celebrate Global Handwashing Day. Join the movement and let's make "Our hands, our future" a priority and a reality!
For more information on how to join the movement and resources to help you plan your activities, access the Global Handwashing Partnership webpage and register your event. The Global Handwashing Partnership is a coalition of international stakeholders who promote handwashing with soap and recognize hygiene as a pillar of international development and public health.
The following guidelines and resources may be useful in making your event a success:
- Global Handwashing Day 2017 Planner's Guide, 6th edition (available in English, Spanish and French)
- Global Handwashing Logo
- Banners (available in English, Spanish and French)
- Posters (available in English, Spanish and French)
- Social Media Toolkit (available in English, Spanish and French)
- Other resources (Handwashing Program Implementation and Measurement, Behavior Change Theory and Models, WASH in Schools, Campaign Examples and other)
Let's make this year's theme "Our hands, our future" be real!
