Emergency:
+91-124 4588 888
  • Download PHR App

Global Handwashing Day 2025 - Hand Hygiene Awareness

Published on 13 Oct 2025 WhatsApp Share | Facebook Share | X Share |
Link copied!
Copy Link
| Like
Global Handwashing Day

Global Handwashing Day is celebrated on 15th October every year. This day was initiated by the Global Handwashing Partnership (GHP) in 2008 to reduce the spread of germs. Studies have shown that regular handwashing with soap and water reduces the spread of germs by 23-40%, and the ratio varies depending on the types of germ.

What is Global Handwashing Day?

Global Handwashing Day is celebrated around the world on October 15 each year. This is to remind us how important it is to wash our hands with soap and water. Because clean hands prevent the spread of germs that can cause colds, flu, and diarrhoea.

Especially in children, as they tend to spend most of their time in playgrounds, and dirty hands mean germs. As a responsible parent or an educator, it is our responsibility to help them understand the importance of handwashing.

When is Global Handwashing Day Observed?

Global Handwashing Day is observed on 15th October every year. The day is significant in spreading awareness of handwashing. It reminds people why it is important and how it can prevent them from common illnesses.

As you can notice, we tend to frequently touch our eyes, nose, and mouth. And we don’t even realise that germs have entered our bodies. And it is not just about touching your face, your unwashed hand can transfer germs through food and drinks.

So you’re not only putting yourself at risk, but your loved ones, too. On the occasion of Global Handwashing Day, teaching people about handwashing helps them and their families stay healthy.

What is the Theme of the Global Handwashing Day 2025?

The 2025 theme for Global Handwashing Day, "Be a Handwashing Hero!", encourages people to take simple steps to protect their health and the health of others. Just like heroes protect people from danger, by handwashing, be a hero and protect yourself and others against germs that cause illness.

Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the easiest ways to stop the spread of diseases like colds, flu, and diarrhea. 2025’s theme reminds us that anyone, children, parents, teachers, or even your co-workers, can be a hero by making handwashing a regular part of their day. No superpowers needed, just clean hands and the habit of using soap and water.

The theme also aims to build awareness and responsibility in communities by making handwashing a shared mission. A handwashing hero doesn't just wash their own hands; they help others understand why it matters. Whether you're reminding a friend, teaching a child, or spreading messages at school or work, you are taking part in a bigger movement. The goal here is to create lifelong habits that reduce sickness and improve well-being. By doing a simple action daily, you can put in your heroic effort in this campaign. See how even small steps like handwashing can lead to big changes when done together.

History and Background of Global Handwashing Day

Global Handwashing Day was first celebrated on October 15, 2008. This is all part of a campaign led by the Global Handwashing Partnership (previously known as the Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing). It was introduced during World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, and launched alongside the UN’s International Year of Sanitation. The inaugural event involved over 120 million children in more than 70 countries, all washing their hands with soap and water to raise awareness. The focus on children highlighted their role as the new, changed generation who could bring these healthy habits home and into the wider community.

The core mission of Global Handwashing Day is to promote a global culture of hand hygiene, encourage behaviour change, and raise awareness about how handwashing with soap can save lives. According to health research, handwashing with soap can reduce diarrheal diseases by up to 50% and respiratory infections by around 20%. These facts underline the powerful role hand hygiene plays in preventing illness, especially in low-resource areas. The day has since evolved into one of the world’s largest public health awareness campaigns, with participation from over 200 million people in more than 100 countries every year. 

In addition to its global impact, the day serves as a platform for governments, NGOs, schools, and healthcare providers to organise events, build handwashing stations, and educate communities. The initiative also honours the scientific work of experts like Val Curtis, who championed hygiene as a critical part of disease prevention. By making handwashing an everyday habit, the campaign empowers individuals of all ages to take simple, heroic action to protect themselves and others. Today, Global Handwashing Day stands as a reminder that clean hands are a first line of defence against many preventable diseases.

Why is Handwashing Important?

Handwashing was taught to us when we were kids, but sometimes we take it lightly. But you should know that this simple task is more effective than you’ve imagined. It is the first step in protecting ourselves and others from getting sick. Here are some key reasons why handwashing is important:

  • Prevents Disease: Washing your hands can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by up to 50% and respiratory infections by around 20%.
  • Stops Germ Spread: Handwashing breaks the chain of infection, preventing viruses and bacteria from moving from person to person.
  • Protects Vulnerable Groups: Children, elderly people, and those with weak immune systems can protect themselves from illness through hand washing.
  • Reduces Antibiotic Resistance: Preventing infections means fewer antibiotics are needed, helping you combat the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  • Improves Overall Health: Clean hands contribute to fewer sick days, better school/work attendance, and higher productivity.
  • Affordable and Easy: Handwashing is not expensive; you just need soap and water, which are easily accessible to anyone. So without spending much, you can take care of your health.

Steps of Handwashing

You need to follow the steps below while washing your hands with soap and water.

  • Wet your hands with tap water.
  • Use any soap of your choice.
  • Rub the palms of your hands.
  • Clean the back of your hands.
  • Scrub fingertips, fingernails, and wrists.
  • Do this for 20 seconds and rinse your hands with water.
  • Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry.

What Diseases are Preventable with Handwashing?

Handwashing with soap is a powerful and simple way to prevent many common diseases, especially those caused by germs that spread through touch or poor hygiene. Here's a breakdown of the diseases preventable with proper hand hygiene, categorised for clarity:

  1. Diarrheal Diseases and Foodborne Infections: Handwashing helps remove bacteria and viruses, like E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, and Norovirus, which cause diarrhoea, Cholera, Typhoid fever, and food poisoning. These diseases often spread through contaminated hands after using the toilet or handling raw food.
  2. Respiratory Illnesses: Viruses that cause respiratory infections can be on your hands. Washing hands helps prevent diseases, such as Influenza (Flu), Cold, COVID-19, and Pneumonia.
  3. Eye Infections: When you touch your eyes with dirty hands, you can transmit harmful bacteria and viruses, leading to conjunctivitis (pink eye). Good hand hygiene is key to breaking the cycle of eye infections, especially in areas with limited sanitation.
  4. Skin Infections: Handwashing can also prevent infections of the skin caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, such as Impetigo, Scabies, and fungal infections, like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Global Handwashing Day Activities and Awareness Campaigns

During Global Handwashing Day, a wide variety of activities are organised to raise awareness and encourage good hand hygiene practices. Governments often launch nationwide campaigns, distribute educational materials, and set up handwashing stations in public places.

NGOs may organize community workshops, street plays, and demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques, targeting both children and adults. Hospitals and healthcare providers usually conduct seminars for staff and patients, promote hand hygiene through posters and reminders, and sometimes offer free handwashing kits.

Schools may hold special assemblies, conduct interactive sessions or quizzes, organise art and essay competitions, and encourage students to create posters or skits about the importance of handwashing.

Workplaces can participate by arranging handwashing demonstrations, distributing informative brochures, or holding challenges and rewards for proper hand hygiene practices among employees. All these activities aim to make handwashing a regular habit and highlight its critical role in preventing illness.

How Artemis Hospital Promotes Hand Hygiene and Patient Safety?

Booking a consultation at Artemis Hospitals Gurgaon means you can trust that hygiene and safety are their top priorities. As a patient or visitor, you will notice that staff, nurses, and doctors all strictly follow hand hygiene protocols.

For example, before examining patients or performing any medical procedures, healthcare workers wash their hands or use sanitiser. You’ll see visible reminders about hand hygiene throughout the hospital, such as posters and handwashing stations. This commitment ensures a clean and safe environment, reducing your risk of infections during your visit. Choosing Artemis Hospital gives you peace of mind that your health and safety are cared for at every step. To book an appointment at Artemis, call +91 9800400498.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Global Handwashing Day Celebrated?

Global Handwashing Day is celebrated on 15th October. This is a recurring event, and it is celebrated to spread awareness of handwashing.

How is handwashing effective?

Handwashing with soap removes dirt, germs, and viruses from your hands, stopping them from entering your body or spreading to others. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent infections.

What is the ideal duration to wash my hands?

You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all parts, including fingers, nails, and wrists, for thorough cleaning.

What is the difference between washing hands with soap and using sanitizer?

Soap and water remove all types of germs and dirt, while sanitiser (with at least 60% alcohol) kills many germs but doesn't remove dirt or chemicals. Soap is more effective when hands are visibly dirty.

Can regular hand hygiene protect against viruses?

Yes, regular handwashing or sanitising significantly reduces the risk of catching and spreading viruses like the flu, cold, and COVID-19.

Does frequent handwashing prevent seasonal flu?

Absolutely. Washing your hands often is a proven way to stop the spread of flu viruses, especially during peak flu season.

Where can I get viral, bacterial, and fungal disease treatment near me?

You can visit Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon and seek treatment from our best physicians or dermatologists for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Which doctor should I consult for conjunctivitis and other eye infections?

You should consult our best ophthalmologist (eye specialist) for conjunctivitis or any other eye-related infections or issues.

World Of Artemis

Artemis Hospitals, established in 2007, is a healthcare venture launched by the promoters of the 4$ Billion Apollo Tyres Group. It is spread across a total area of 525,000 square feet.

To know more
For any inquiries, appointment bookings, or general concerns, reach us at contactus@artemishospitals.com.
For International Patient Services, reach us at internationaldesk@artemishospitals.com.
For any feedback-related issues, reach us at feedback@artemishospitals.com.

Request a call back


Get Direction