Every year on October 15, Global Handwashing Day is observed to raise public awareness of the importance of personal hygiene and remind people that washing hands with soap is one of the simplest, most accessible, and most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases.

Throughout the day, our hands come into constant contact with various surfaces, objects, and the surrounding environment. As a result, disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, can accumulate on our hands. Touching the face, eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, as well as eating without washing hands, can allow microorganisms to enter the body and cause various illnesses.

Why Is It Important to Wash Hands with Soap?

Regular and proper handwashing helps reduce the risk of spreading acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), influenza, intestinal infections, and certain other infectious diseases. Following hygiene rules is particularly important in crowded places, educational and healthcare institutions, food service establishments, and at home.

How Should You Wash Your Hands Properly?

To clean your hands effectively, follow these simple steps:

• Wet your hands with clean running water.

• Apply a sufficient amount of soap.

• Rub your palms together thoroughly.

• Clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and around your thumbs.

• Do not forget to clean your fingertips, under your nails, and your wrists.

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.

• Rinse off the soap thoroughly under clean running water and dry your hands with a clean towel or a disposable paper towel.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

Pay special attention to hand hygiene in the following situations:

• Before preparing food and before eating.

• After using the toilet.

• Before and after caring for a sick person.

• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

• After contact with animals.

• After cleaning, handling waste, or returning from outdoors.

• After changing a child's diaper or helping a child use the toilet.

• Whenever your hands are visibly dirty.

If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used. However, when hands are visibly dirty, washing them with soap and water is preferable.

Clean Hands — The Key to Good Health!

Developing the habit of proper handwashing from childhood is essential for protecting the health of both children and adults. Parents are encouraged to demonstrate proper handwashing techniques to their children and explain why following personal hygiene rules every day is important.

Global Handwashing Day is an important occasion that reminds us of the role simple hygiene habits play in preventing infectious diseases and protecting the health of those around us. This practice takes only a few dozen seconds but makes a significant contribution to maintaining good health.

Protect your health and the health of your loved ones — wash your hands regularly and properly!

Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological

Welfare and Public Health

Press Service

@sanepidcommittee