- Handwashing has been shown to reduce cases of all respiratory diseases by 20% and diarrhea by 30% and can help healthcare centers be better placed to support a response to an outbreak.
- Handwashing with soap helps keep food safe, prevents diseases, contributes to child survival, good nutrition, school attendance and greater productivity. In fact, handwashing with soap has been found to cut school sick days in half.
- Yet, only one in five people globally wash their hands after going to the toilet. If everyone, everywhere had a place to wash their hands with soap and water as often as needed it would go a long way towards helping to contain and prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19.
