Why are clean hands still important?

Global Handwashing Day 2024

As we transition to a post-pandemic world, the Global Handwashing Partnership has chosen this year’s theme as “Why are clean hands still important,” reminding society that washing hands with soap continues to be the simplest, yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of disease. Global Handwashing Day is observed on October 15 every year to raise awareness about the significance of hand hygiene and to encourage people around the world to adopt proper handwashing practices. Understanding the link between handwashing and healthy, thriving communities is a key focus of this year’s Global Handwashing Day.

Clean Hands = Better Health

The role that handwashing plays in reducing the spread of bacteria and common viruses such as
influenza and norovirus is a well-established fact, but its significance was thrust into the limelight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hands are one of the main pathways through which germs and bacteria are transferred from person to person or from surfaces to people. Throughout the day, we touch various objects—doorknobs, keyboards, phones, and more—which can harbor harmful microorganisms. Without realising it, we then touch our faces, eyes, nose, or mouth, allowing these germs to enter our bodies, leading to illness.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), proper hand hygiene can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by up to 20% and gastrointestinal infections by more than 30%. Handwashing is especially important in environments where there is close contact between people, such as schools, offices, and healthcare facilities. As simple as it seems, the act of washing your hands with soap and water for just 20 seconds can save lives.

Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic was first declared, awareness for handwashing has thankfully
not waned and businesses, schools and other public spaces continue to advocate for regular handwashing and sanisation within their spaces.

A business case for handwashing

As an organisation dedicated to promoting hygiene, Initial Hygiene believes that businesses have a crucial role in fostering proper handwashing habits in public spaces. Offices, restaurants, schools, and healthcare facilities should ensure that their employees and visitors have access to handwashing stations equipped with soap and clean water. Studies have shown that proper restroom facilities can have a positive impact on productivity, staff morale and business reputation.

Here are a few ways businesses can actively promote hand hygiene:

• Ensure restrooms are well-maintained and stocked with soap, clean water, and hand-drying facilities. Initial Hygiene offers professional restroom contracts that ensure your restroom is well serviced and maintained with all that is needed for proper hygiene at all times.
• Install hand sanitising stations at high-traffic areas such as entrances, exits, and communal  spaces. Hand sanitisers can be an effective alternative when soap and water are not available but they should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against most types of germs.
• Educate employees and customers about proper handwashing techniques by displaying informative posters and guidelines at handwashing stations. For handwashing to be effective, proper technique and the use of soap are essential.
• Conduct regular cleaning and sanitation of frequently touched surfaces such as door  handles, elevator buttons, and countertops to reduce the spread of germs.

Hand washing Facts for Global Handwashing Day:

- A recent study commissioned by Initial Hygiene found that in a group of 3,700 people, 23% of respondents skipped the soap when washing their hands. Soap helps to break down the oils and dirt on your hands, which water alone cannot do. Using soap creates the friction needed to lift germs and bacteria off the skin.

- In the same study only 5% of respondents washed their hands for at least 20 seconds. For handwashing to be effective, you should scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. 

- WaterAid estimates that around 80% of people globally do not wash their hands after using the restroom.

- Contrary to popular belief, using hot water does not kill more germs than cold water. Hot water can in fact dry out the skin, leading to cracks and making hands more susceptible to infection.

On Global Handwashing Day, let’s all commit to making hand hygiene a regular part of our daily routines. Whether at home, work, or in public spaces, washing our hands properly and frequently is a small act that can make a huge difference towards a healthier, safer world.