On October 15, we celebrate Global Handwashing Day, an opportunity to highlight the crucial importance of this simple yet vital gesture for our health. This year's theme, “Why is handwashing important?”, invites us to reflect on the immense impact this habit can have on preventing disease and protecting our communities.

Unwashed hands are one of the main causes of diarrhoeal disease worldwide, and among the leading causes of infant mortality in Africa. Studies show that in sub-Saharan Africa, only 15% to 25% of people regularly wash their hands with soap after using the toilet or before eating, despite the fact that this can reduce diarrheal infections by 40% and respiratory infections by 21%. Faced with this alarming situation, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is actively committed to promoting good hygiene practices through large-scale awareness campaigns and initiatives to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities across the continent.

Hand washing with clean water and soap is the first line of defense against the transmission of infections. Our hands are in daily contact with many surfaces, objects and people, accumulating millions of germs. These microbes, invisible to the naked eye, can cause serious illnesses such as diarrhea, influenza, cholera and, more recently, COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of infections are spread by the hands. This figure shows just how effective this simple gesture can be as a shield against contamination.

Hand washing is particularly important in vulnerable environments such as hospitals, schools and kitchens. For children, regular hand-washing significantly reduces the risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections, the main causes of infant death in some parts of the world. For adults, this gesture not only protects our own health, but also that of the more fragile people around us: the elderly, the sick or even pregnant women.

Beyond individual protection, handwashing is an act of solidarity. By breaking the germ transmission chain, we help keep our communities healthy, relieve pressure on healthcare systems and reduce absenteeism in schools and workplaces. It's a universal gesture that transcends borders, ages and cultures. AfWASA, aware of the stakes, works tirelessly with water and sanitation stakeholders to ensure that everyone, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, has access to adequate handwashing facilities and soap.

However, it's important to remember that handwashing is more than just a quick rinse under water. It must be done properly, rubbing all parts of the hands for at least 20 seconds, with soap. This attention to detail makes all the difference in eliminating germs.

On this Global Handwashing Day, AfWASA would like us to make this a daily reflex, not only for ourselves, but also to protect those we love. Together, by adopting this simple habit, we can build a healthier, safer future for all.

Wash your hands, save lives!

Olivier Gosso

AfWASA Executive Director