Global Hand Washing Day 2027

When is Global Handwashing Day?

Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on 15 October. In 2027, this important day falls on a Friday, providing an ideal opportunity for individuals, communities, schools, and organisations worldwide to participate in handwashing-related activities and promote good hand hygiene.

How to get involved

Participating in Global Handwashing Day allows you to contribute to public health and promote the practice of proper handwashing. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:

1. Practice proper handwashing: Demonstrate and practice the correct handwashing technique with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Educate others: Share information about the importance of handwashing with your friends, family, and community members.
3. Organise handwashing events: Host handwashing workshops, demonstrations, or awareness campaigns in your school, workplace, or community.
4. Support handwashing initiatives: Contribute to organisations and programmes that promote hand hygiene, especially in underserved areas.
5. Create handwashing art: Encourage children and young artists to create handwashing-themed artwork to promote the message visually.
6. Advocate for facilities: Advocate for improved access to handwashing facilities in public places and schools.

History of Global Handwashing Day

Global Handwashing Day was initiated by the Global Handwashing Partnership (GHP) in 2008 to promote a global and local vision of handwashing with soap. It aims to raise awareness about the health benefits of handwashing and to encourage the integration of handwashing behaviour change into public health initiatives worldwide. Since its inception, Global Handwashing Day has grown into a global movement, with millions of people participating in activities that promote proper hand hygiene and reduce the spread of infectious diseases.