This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On October 15, 2019, the world marked Global Handwashing Day, a reminder of the importance of this simple yet life-saving habit.
According to the World Health Organization, every 23 seconds, a child dies from pneumonia or diarrhoea worldwide. These preventable deaths are a stark reminder of the need for universal handwashing.
Handwashing with soap is the single most cost-effective way to stop child deaths. It can reduce the incidence of pneumonia by 23 percent and diarrhoea by up to 45 percent. When more people use soap regularly and have access to sanitation, the impact on health is significant.
However, consumption levels are far below what is needed, with 1.5 billion people using less than eight bars of soap per year. This highlights the magnitude of the task facing the world in driving the WASH agenda.
Progress is being made, with two of the Sustainable Development Goals clearly calling for improved access to clean water and sanitation. To address this challenge, the private sector, public sector, social sector, and community must come together to create a brighter future for our children.
Empowering young people to drive change is a game-changer. Their connectedness, collaboration, and sense of community can make a big difference. In Kenya, Unilever's Lifebuoy has partnered with the HEROES4CHANGE programme to drive large-scale hand-washing education programmes.
As we move forward, it's essential to constantly raise awareness of the importance of handwashing with soap to prevent disease. The Global Handwashing Day is celebrated every year on October 15, and this year's theme is a reminder that handwashing is a way of life.
