- On Global Handwashing Day, 15 October 2022, the GHC is calling for investment 
in handwashing education and resources to achieve universal hand hygiene, 
prevent disease and save lives.

Handwashing with soap is one of the most important steps for reducing the 
spread of infectious diseases. It is substantially less expensive than other 
public health interventions and has many socio-economic benefits beyond the 
reduction of diseases such as increased productivity and a reduction in 
healthcare costs.

 
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts were made to improve hygiene 
habits but, according to the World Health Organization, we need to quadruple 
current progress to achieve the hygiene targets that are outlined by the United 
Nations in the Sustainable Development Goals. If current trends persist, 1.9 
billion people will still be without basic handwashing facilities at home by 
2030, highlighting the need for increased investment in handwashing programmes 
across the globe.

When COVID-19 emerged, access to handwashing facilities, education and funding 
fell short: 30% of the global population didn't have handwashing facilities 
with soap and water; and almost half of healthcare facilities (43%) lacked 
basic hand hygiene facilities at points of care. The GHC aligns with the theme 
of Global Handwashing Day 2022, which is 'Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene', 
and calls for health authorities to prioritise hand hygiene to help prevent 
infections.

Research estimates that national handwashing programmes could yield fruitful 
economic returns, doubling return on investment, with some nations drastically 
surpassing that. One study highlights that a national handwashing programme in 
India could yield a 92-fold return on investment.

Professor emerita Elizabeth Scott PhD, chair of the Global Hygiene Council 
comments:  

"The GHC is championing hygiene, including handwashing, as a leading way to 
prevent infections. It is unconscionable that, in the 21st century, billions of 
people around the world are still without access to basic handwashing with soap 
and water.

A massive collaborative effort is required across all levels of society, 
including increased investment in hygiene infrastructure by governments. We 
need to get back to basics and raise the profile of hand hygiene, including 
washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitiser when access to 
soap and clean water isn't available, to ensure this remains a frontline 
infection prevention method in healthcare and community settings."

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Source: Global Hygiene Council (GHC)