International Hand Washing Day

International Handwashing Day is held annually on October 15. The day was launched in 2008 by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the aim of motivating people to improve their hand-washing habits.

Although most people wash their hands with water, the use of soap is still the exception in many places. This is despite the fact that the use of soap, for example after going to the toilet or before handling food, could prevent a large proportion of diarrheal diseases and other infectious diseases worldwide. According to the WHO, consistent correct hand washing could save more lives than vaccinations or medical programs.

And this is how to wash your hands properly:

1. Moisten hands and forearms with water
2. Rub soap between the palms
3. Rub finger gaps against each other
4. Massage between fingers
5. Clean outside of finger on opposite palm with interlaced fingers
6. Circular rubbing of the left thumb with the right closed hand - and vice versa.
7. Rinse thoroughly with water
8. Carefully dry the palms and backs of the hands with a paper towel
9. Also dry the spaces between the fingers well with the towel
10. Dry fingertips, nail bed and under fingernails