Handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop the spread of germs and to protect the lives of your loved ones. Global Handwashing Day occurs each year on October 15. It highlights the importance of handwashing with soap and water, especially during key times throughout the day, such as before, during, and after preparing food and before eating.
This year’s theme, “Hand Hygiene for All,” seeks to raise awareness of making soap and water available globally, especially in public places, schools, and health care facilities. It also calls for institutions and individuals to improve hand hygiene efforts during the COVID-19 response to ensure continued access to clean water and soap after the pandemic.
Promote handwashing in your community on Global Handwashing Day and throughout the year:
- Watch a new handwashing video with Principal Deputy Director of the CDC, Anne Schuchat, MD, and share the importance of washing hands at key times;
- Get answers to frequently asked questions about handwashing and using hand sanitizer in community settings;
- Order FREE handwashing posters and display them in highly visible areas, such as restrooms and near food preparation areas; and
- Share digital handwashing promotional materials, including social media graphics and posts, fact sheets, videos, and public service announcements.
A recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report also shows increased handwashing during the pandemic, with U.S. adults being twice as likely to remember to wash their hands in certain situations now when compared to before the pandemic started.