world handwashing day
The thought of celebrating Global Handwashing Day, observed worldwide on October 15 every year, may seem rather ordinary. Yet, this practice carries far more importance than it may appear at first sight. Introduced in 2008 by the Global Handwashing Partnership, this annual event continues to spread the message that washing hands with soap and clean water is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness, protect communities and build healthier societies.
The beauty of handwashing lies in its simplicity. Unlike advanced medical treatments or costly interventions, it requires no expensive equipment. A bar of soap and clean water are all that is needed. According to the World Health Organization, washing hands with soap can cut diarrhoeal diseases by up to 40 per cent and respiratory infections by nearly 20 per cent.
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, the role of hand hygiene became clearer than ever. Suddenly, the world was reminded that the first line of defence against a deadly virus was as simple as keeping hands clean. For Pakistan, where health systems are often under strain, the lesson was particularly relevant.
However, reality on the ground tells a different story. Millions of Pakistanis still practise open defecation, particularly in rural areas, which leads to contamination of water supplies and allows germs to spread easily. Safe drinking water is not equally available across the country. While the urban population often has better access, rural communities continue to rely on unsafe sources. Poor waste management worsens the situation, and in many households, schools, hospitals and public spaces, proper handwashing facilities are missing altogether. National surveys reveal that only about half of Pakistani households have both soap and water available for handwashing. When people do not have easy access, even if they understand the importance of hygiene, it becomes difficult for them to make handwashing a consistent habit.
On World Handwashing Day, efforts are made across Pakistan to address these challenges and encourage healthier practices. Schools, health professionals, community leaders and government departments organise activities to demonstrate proper handwashing methods and to remind families of the importance of the practice. Children are often placed at the heart of these campaigns, not only because they are more vulnerable to diseases but also because they are quick learners who can influence their families. A child who insists on washing hands before meals or after using the toilet can inspire parents, siblings and even grandparents to adopt the same practice. In this way, children become small but powerful agents of change.
Cultural traditions and social attitudes also shape hygiene practices in Pakistan. In many households, using water for personal cleanliness is a longstanding custom which is in itself positive. However, without soap, germs remain on the hands, continuing to cause illness. In some rural areas, soap is still seen as a luxury rather than a necessity, with families relying only on water to clean their hands. This is where awareness is important. Soap is not an extra item for comfort; it is a tool for survival. Women, as the primary caregivers in most homes, play a key role in changing this perspective. If mothers and other women consistently wash their hands with soap before cooking or feeding children, they can prevent countless illnesses and set an example for their families to follow.
Hospitals and healthcare centres are equally important, where hand hygiene can save lives. In medical settings, infections can spread at an alarming speed if the staff and patients neglect handwashing. Unfortunately, compliance with hygiene standards is often weak in many healthcare facilities in Pakistan, putting vulnerable patients at greater risk. A reminder that something as basic as washing hands before and after contact can prevent hospital-acquired infections is desperately needed.
The government of Pakistan, with the support of international organisations such as UNICEF and WHO, has taken steps to improve sanitation and hygiene through programmes like the Clean Green Pakistan Movement. This initiative promotes safe toilets, waste management, clean water and handwashing practices. Investments have been made to improve rural sanitation and water supply schemes but infrastructure alone is not enough. Real change requires shifts in behaviour and attitudes. People need constant education and encouragement and the media must play its part in spreading the message regularly rather than only once a year.
Hygiene education should be woven into school curriculums so that children grow up understanding its importance naturally. Awareness campaigns must continue throughout the year to ensure that handwashing becomes part of the nation’s daily routine. The government must continue to support water, sanitation and hygiene projects with adequate funding and strong policies. Private companies and community organisations also share responsibility. Soap manufacturers should support campaigns by providing free soap in schools and running advertisements to promote hygiene.
Global Handwashing Day is not just about a single date marked on the calendar; its real purpose is to encourage habits that last a lifetime.
The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional.He can be reached at tariqkikgmail.com