Cleanliness is the optimal balance between a high presence of beneficial bacteria and a minimal presence of harmful bacteria.

Julia Enders

Every year on October 15, the world observes Global Handwashing Day to emphasize the importance of proper hand hygiene. This observance was established in 2008 through the initiative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), originally aligning with the UN General Assembly's declaration of the International Year of Sanitation.

The primary goal of Global Handwashing Day is to raise awareness among both children and adults about the significant health benefits of handwashing with soap. Handwashing is an effective and accessible method for preventing numerous infectious diseases. Timely handwashing can reduce the incidence of acute intestinal infections by 30-48% and decrease acute respiratory infections by 20%. Although the decision to wash one's hands may seem a personal choice based on cleanliness and upbringing, experts from the UN and the World Health Organization stress that the global impact of inadequate hand hygiene has far-reaching and severe consequences. UNICEF reports that approximately five thousand children die each day from diarrhea, often referred to as "the disease of dirty hands." Half of these deaths could be prevented through regular handwashing with soap and water before meals and after using the toilet. Pathogens can spread both directly, such as through a simple handshake, and indirectly, via contaminated surfaces, soft toys, and household items.

Unclean hands are a significant contributor to high child mortality rates in Asia and Africa. World Clean Hands Day seeks to highlight the importance of this fundamental yet crucial hygiene practice as an essential strategy for preventing numerous diseases. This issue has gained heightened relevance during the coronavirus pandemic.

Proper handwashing with regular soap and water is sufficient to protect oneself and others from a wide range of illnesses. However, the challenge lies in the fact that many individuals do not wash their hands correctly or fail to give adequate attention to this vital practice.

The primary responsibility of every parent is to serve as a role model for their child and to instill the fundamental principles of hand hygiene. Children must understand that the dirt present on almost all surrounding objects (such as pencils, pens, books, toys, door handles, phones, etc.) is often imperceptible to the naked eye. When hands are not properly washed, this dirt can enter the body through the mouth, facilitating the transmission of various diseases from an infected individual to a healthy one. Simple handwashing with soap and water can eliminate up to 90% of microorganisms from the skin's surface, offering an effective and inexpensive method of preventing diarrheal, parasitic, and acute respiratory infections. It is essential for handwashing to become a lifelong habit, cultivated from an early age. Neglecting hand hygiene can unwittingly jeopardize both individual health and the well-being of others. This straightforward hygiene practice plays a significant role in combating the so-called “diseases of dirty hands”.

Set an example for others by prioritizing your health and that of your loved ones. Maintain regular hand hygiene by washing with soap and water. Remember, clean hands are a fundamental pillar of a healthy lifestyle."

Department of propaedeutics of children’s diseases

translated by Ismoilov R.