Every year on October 15th, the world unites to celebrate Global Hand Washing Day—a day dedicated to advocating and reinforcing the importance of clean hands for better health and hygiene. Since its inception in 2008, this day has served as a powerful catalyst, spreading awareness and emphasizing the significance of this simple yet impactful practice across the globe.
A History of Impact
From its humble beginnings, Global Hand Washing Day has grown into an annual beacon, rallying communities, organizations, and governments worldwide to prioritize hand hygiene. The mission remains clear: to promote, plan, and amplify the practice of handwashing.
This year, the theme, “Clean Hands are within reach,” resonates globally, emphasizing the accessibility of this essential habit. In Nepal, the message rings in Nepali as ” सफा हात, हाम्रै बसमा “ echoing the call for clean hands throughout the country.
This year’s slogan in both English and Nepali for Global Hand Washing Day 2023
The Power of Handwashing
The significance of handwashing with soap and water cannot be overstated. Studies show that this simple act can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by a staggering 45%. Yet, despite its proven benefits, there still needs to be a crucial awareness gap regarding the importance of hand hygiene.
Statistics from SUSWA’s baseline reveal that only 52% of households in their local governments possess adequate handwashing facilities. This stark reality highlights a significant number of households lacking access to proper handwashing stations, directly impacting community hand hygiene practices.
A Commitment to Change
However, there’s hope on the horizon. SUSWA, with its ambitious goals, aims to bridge this gap. Their target of establishing handwashing facilities with soap and water at 29,609 households over the project’s lifetime reflects a commitment to fostering healthier communities. This year alone, SUSWA plans to set up handwashing stations in 3,080 households and collaborate with local authorities to build 60 toilets, benefiting 17,500 students and teachers.
Moreover, SUSWA’s efforts extend beyond infrastructure; we’re dedicated to education and awareness. Through sharing sessions and orientations on proper handwashing practices, we aim to ensure that handwashing becomes an ingrained habit for all, fostering a culture of hygiene.
Moving Forward Together
Global Hand Washing Day serves as a powerful reminder that the simplest actions can yield significant impacts on health and well-being. As we celebrate this day, let’s take a moment to recognize the power of clean hands in safeguarding our health and communities.
It’s a collective responsibility—to organizations, governments, communities, and individuals—to champion hand hygiene. By providing access, education, and resources, we can create a world where clean hands are not just a slogan but a reality for everyone, everywhere.
Events that took on Global Handwashing Day
As we celebrate Global Hand Washing Day, witnessing the dedication and enthusiasm within our community is inspiring. These local initiatives underscore the significance of grassroots efforts in promoting a culture of hand hygiene. It’s amazing to see the enthusiastic participation and celebration of World Handwashing Day across various municipalities and schools in Karnali, showcasing a collective commitment to promote hand hygiene and cleanliness within communities.
1. Bagchaur Municipality’s Tusare River Event:
In Bagchaur Municipality’s Ward No. 1 Kotbet, World Handwashing Day culminated with fervor and civic pride along the banks of the Tusare River. Attended by local representatives, consumer committees, service recipients, educators, social activists, and dedicated volunteers, the event was a testament to community-driven efforts.
On this significant day, the stakeholders of Tusarekhola Kotbet made a collective promise to uphold the practice of washing hands regularly with soap and water, aiming to champion cleanliness and hygiene within their region.
2 Triumphant Celebrations in Tripura Sundari and Sinja:
Handwashing Day Celebration at Tripura Sundari
Similarly, Tripura Sundari, under the Sustainable WASH for all SUSWA, commemorated World Handwashing Day with gusto. Both Tripurasundari Municipality and the whole WASH units participated in a vibrant event at Shri Saraswati School. The municipality authorities ceremoniously presented handwashing buckets and soap to the school headmaster, symbolizing a commitment to hand hygiene.
The celebrations extended to Sinja as well, where the joint partnership of the Nepal Government, Finland Government, and Sinja Rural Municipality marked the day with the slogan “Safa Hat Hamrai Vashma.” Shri Shanti Primary School, in collaboration with the Shri Shanti Primary School, SUSWA, orchestrated a grand celebration. Kanakasundari Secondary School Ludku Sinja in Jumla also joined the jubilation, emphasizing the theme “Clean Hands Are Within Reach.”
Glimpses of Handwashing Day celebrated at Shri Shanti Primary School of Sinja Rural Municipality
During these events, essential hygiene supplies like dustbins, buckets, tables, soap, and even handwashing stations (SATO) were distributed, demonstrating a commitment to equipping communities with the tools for proper hand hygiene. The municipal authorities and WASH unit actively engaged in practicing handwashing techniques and raising public awareness about the importance of this practice.
These vibrant celebrations and proactive initiatives undertaken across various municipalities and schools are testaments to the collective dedication towards fostering a culture of cleanliness and promoting hand hygiene within Nepalese communities. The active participation and commitment showcased on World Handwashing Day highlight the significance of community-driven efforts in ensuring a healthier and more hygienic future for all.
The continued collaboration between governments, organizations, schools, and local communities serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the journey towards improved public health and hygiene standards across the Karnali region.