Global Handwashing Day is October 15th and is a day of global advocacy dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing. Founded by the Global Handwashing Partnership, the first Global Handwashing Day was in 2008, when over 120 million children in over 70 countries washed their hands with soap.
Since then, health and hygiene experts have used Global Handwashing Day to raise awareness about the benefits of handwashing with soap while shining a spotlight on the lack of access to proper handwashing stations around the world.
In 1847, Hungarian obstetrician Ignaz P. Semmelweis discovered the link between unwashed hands and the spread of germs. Concerned about the difference in maternal mortality rates at two hospitals, Semmelweis devoted his research to uncovering the root cause of these deaths. When a friend of Semmelweis died after being cut with a contaminated scalpel during a post-mortem exam, Semmelweis connected germs (or the lack of them) with cleanliness.
The realization resulted in the first handwashing policy at a hospital. Semmelweis required everyone to wash their hands with a chlorinated lime solution between performing an autopsy and examining a patient. As staff followed the rules, mortality rates in that hospital dropped dramatically.
At the time, though, Semmelweis’s theory was rejected by the medical community, as it contradicted established opinions on how illnesses spread. It wasn’t until much later that Semmelweis’s findings were taken seriously and the medical community instituted handwashing policies.
Today, we recognize that handwashing is the easiest and most effective way to stop the spread of germs. It doesn’t matter if you use hot water, cold water, or something in between. Washing your hands with soap and running water removes dirt and germs from your hands, protecting you and those around you from spreading a variety of illnesses.
But for many people, a lack of knowledge isn’t the problem. It’s a lack of proper handwashing facilities.
The CDC notes that in 2024, approximately 1.8 million children under the age of five died each year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia. However, according to UNICEF, approximately 2.3 billion people don’t have proper handwashing stations with soap and running water at home. What’s more, almost half of schools and healthcare facilities also lack proper handwashing stations where they need them most.
And while hand sanitizer may seem like a simpler solution — no soap, water, or plumbing needed — the reality is that hand sanitizer isn’t as effective at removing germs as soap and water. And the CDC also points out that washing with soap and water could reduce child mortality rates by 23% to 40%.
Whether you’re an individual or part of a business, there are plenty of ways for you to support Global Handwashing Day.
Handwashing is a simple yet powerful way to stop the spread of germs. But there are many times when access to soap and running water is limited or even non-existent.
At All Portable Sinks, we know the importance of handwashing and the difference portable sinks can make, which is why our portable sinks are designed to go just about anywhere someone needs clean running water and soap to wash their hands.
Browse our full lineup of portable sinks and learn how they can have a positive impact on handwashing.
