Why is handwashing important? Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective and accessible ways to prevent diseases. This simple act can save lives, reduce diarrhea by nearly half, and decrease acute respiratory infections by almost a quarter. Additionally, handwashing also contributes to reducing the spread of diseases such as Ebola, COVID-19, and SARS. This simple action not only impacts health but can also have a positive impact on education and the economy.
Unfortunately, clean water and soap facilities are not accessible to many people. 2.3 billion people do not have a handwashing facility with water and soap at home, and nearly half of schools lack handwashing facilities, affecting approximately 802 million school-age children (Source: Unicef).
