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Handwashing/Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene saves lives. To contain the spread of COVID-19 and many other infectious diseases, it is critically important to clean your hands regularly with water and soap or alcohol-based hand rub

Until just 170 years ago, many people thought infections were caused by foul, polluted air or ‘miasma’. In the mid 19th century, physician Ignaz Semmelweis discovered how microbial infection works and found that handwashing with soap dramatically reduced the spread of deadly diseases. In the 20th century, leaders have continued to pioneer hygiene including Elaine Larson, a nurse professor working globally to improve standards

Nepalese peacekeepers serving with United Nations Mission in South Sudan conduct a handwashing activity for local students. UN Photo/Nektarios Markogiannis

Nepalese peacekeepers serving with United Nations Mission in South Sudan conduct a handwashing activity for local students. UN Photo/Nektarios Markogiannis

There is a global hygiene crisis

1 in 3 people – 2.3 billion people – around the world lack a handwashing facility with water and soap at home. One third of healthcare facilities does not have access to hand hygiene where care is provided. Almost 2 billion people depend on health care facilities without basic water services. 

Congolese refugees wash their hands. UN Photo/Sebastian Villar

Congolese refugees wash their hands. UN Photo/Sebastian Villar

Handwashing is a lifesaver

Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective barriers to the spread of diseases. It is estimated that half a million people die each year from diarrhoea or acute respiratory infections which could have been prevented with timely and thorough hand hygiene. Around 700 children die every day from diseases linked to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene.

Demonstrating hand washing techniques to students in Haiti. UN Photo/UNICEF/Marco Dormino

Demonstrating hand washing techniques to students in Haiti. UN Photo/UNICEF/Marco Dormino

Handwashing protects and empowers women and girls

Improving access to handwashing facilities in healthcare settings will reduce infection and mortality rates, particularly in maternal and child health.
Hygienic, private bathrooms with clean, running water, sinks and soap will help adolescent girls and female staff in schools and colleges manage menstruation safely and with dignity.

Family taught how to wash hands properly at home during an Ebola outbreak. Photo UNMEER /Martine Perret

Family taught how to wash hands properly at home during an Ebola outbreak. Photo UNMEER /Martine Perret

Expanding access to hand hygiene

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 includes a target to ensure everyone has access to ‘adequate and equitable’ hygiene by 2030. Progress towards that target will be measured by the proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a hand-washing facility with soap and water. Standards also exist for healthcare. There should be facility-wide availability of alcohol hand rub at each point of care and a continuous supply of clean running water, soap and towels.

The first ever Global Handwashing Day observed in 2008. UN Photo/Mark Garten

The first ever Global Handwashing Day observed in 2008. UN Photo/Mark Garten

Handwashing and hygiene are vital to sustainable development

Without handwashing and adherence to good hygiene practices, the health and socio-economic benefits of improved water supply and sanitation cannot be fully realised and will impede progress towards many of the SDGs.

How to clean your hands properly

Please follow the World Health Organization’s step-by-step visual guidelines to handwashing.

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