On 15 October, Global Handwashing Day reminds us that proper hand hygiene is one of the most accessible and effective measures for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

The importance of this simple practice is often underestimated. Handwashing helps prevent infections that can spread through everyday contact, whether at home, at school, in the workplace, or in public spaces.

It protects not only individuals but also entire communities, particularly children, older people, and those who are more vulnerable to illness.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), handwashing education can help reduce diarrhoeal illnesses by approximately 23–40% and respiratory infections by 16–21%.

These figures demonstrate how a small everyday action can have a significant impact on public health.

Yet something so simple remains out of reach for millions of people.

According to the latest UNICEF data on hygiene, 1.7 billion people worldwide lacked basic hygiene services at home in 2024, including 611 million people without any handwashing facilities.

These numbers remind us that hygiene is not only a question of personal responsibility. It is also a question of access to clean water, education, infrastructure and equal opportunities.

“For me, this is particularly important when we think about children and young people. Schools, sports clubs and public facilities have a responsibility to provide safe and hygienic environments.

Teaching children simple habits from an early age helps protect their health and encourages a sense of responsibility towards others,” says Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff

Global Handwashing Day therefore carries a message that extends beyond personal hygiene.

Protecting health begins with everyday actions, but ensuring that everyone can take those actions is a shared responsibility.

Sometimes, the smallest habits can make the greatest difference.