Global Handwashing Day 2025
15 October 2025 is Global Handwashing Day – a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of hand hygiene in preventing illness and saving lives.
Why Handwashing Matters
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the simplest, most effective ways to:
- Stop the spread of infections such as colds, flu, and COVID-19
- Protect yourself and others from stomach bugs and food poisoning
- Prevent the spread of more serious infections in vulnerable groups
Good hand hygiene is especially important in GP practices, hospitals, schools, and care settings — but it starts at home.
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
Remember to wash your hands:
- Before eating or preparing food
- After using the toilet
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After touching pets or animals
- After caring for someone who is unwell
- Whenever your hands look or feel dirty
How to Wash Your Hands Effectively
Follow these five steps for proper handwashing:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather well, including backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds (hum “Happy Birthday” twice as a guide).
- Rinse thoroughly under running water.
- Dry with a clean towel or air dry.
Hand Hygiene Saves Lives
This Global Handwashing Day, let’s all make the simple act of handwashing a daily habit. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in protecting health and preventing the spread of disease.
https://globalhandwashing.org/global-handwashing-day/about-ghd/