WORLD HANDWASHING DAY 2025: Save Lives, Clean Your Hands.

Imagine killing an elephant with something as tiny as an ant, the contrast in size makes it almost unimaginable but certain characteristics of ants make it possible.

Hand washing is a simple yet very effective procedure at keeping microorganisms at bay thereby preventing the myriad of infections that they cause. The ripple effect of this is a reduction in the burden on antibiotics further leading to less cases of resistance.

WHY IS HANDWASHING SO IMPORTANT?

The hands are considered the dirtiest parts of our bodies because we use them to hold, carry, push, pull, write, wash, bath, and do so many other things. Therefore, they are the easiest ways to carry organisms around as they are always in contact with surfaces and materials. We also use our hands to eat, hence our food can easily be contaminated. Eating that kind of food can make one ill with illnesses such as thyphoid fever, gastroenteritis, etc.

Asides eating, we could use our contaminated hands to introduce infection into our eyes, ears, nose, vagina, and open wounds. 

HOW TO PRACTICE HANDWASHING

One must practice handwashing at all times…after returning home from work, after using the restroom, before cooking or preparing any meal, before eating, after eating, etc.

To properly wash one’s hand, one must:

1. Wet your hands: Use clean, running water (warm or cold) to wet your hands. 

2. Apply soap: Use enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands and wrists. 

3. Lather thoroughly: Rub your hands together to create a lather, ensuring you cover and scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails. 

4. Scrub for at least 20 seconds: Scrub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. 

5. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse all the soap off your hands under clean, running water. 

6. Dry your hands: Use a clean towel (paper towel is preferred) or air dry your hands. 

7. Turn off the tap: Use a clean towel to turn off the tap if one is available. 

The importance of handwashing cannot be overemphasized. It is a simple task that can make human lives better.