The first Global Handwashing Day was held in 2008 where the simplicity and value of clean hands was demonstrated. 

It is an annual global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases. 

As an important prelude to Global Handwashing Day, the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Health Department executed a micro snapshot survey of members of the public.  

A total of 99 samples were taken and analysed by the City Health laboratory and in 53 of these samples the results  suggested  inadequate handwashing or poor hygiene practices, which can increase the risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. 

‘Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, prevent the spread of germs and avoid getting sick. Many foodborne diseases can also spread without handwashing. 

‘The annual day challenges us to find creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times and is used by medical staff, educators, leaders and communities to highlight the importance of handwashing and the value of clean hands,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

In the build up to an event that will be held at Greenlands Primary School in Bishop Lavis this week, EH has implemented more than 1 251 health and hygiene interventions during the last financial year, from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, to educate communities on various health and hygiene risks and preventative measures, which included handwashing outreach activities.

'On this Global Handwashing Day, we encourage everyone to heed the call by the United Nations, and to wash their hands during critical points of the day at least for 20 seconds, as it is a proven affordable way to prevent the spread of diseases. This becomes even more critical as we head into the warmer months, which is generally associated with an increase in gastro-enteritis or the stomach flu, as it's commonly referred to,' said Councillor Van der Ross.