Global Hand Hygiene Day 2021

The theme of this year’s Global Handwashing Day is “Our Future is at Hand – Let’s Move Forward Together.”
The simple act of cleaning hands can save lives and reduce illnesses by helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including for viruses like COVID-19.
However, despite all efforts, equitable access to quality water, sanitation and hygiene services in preschools and schools, especially those in rural areas, remains fragmented and weak.
Today, one in three districts in Moldova has schools without centralized drinking water, and 1 in 3 schools have outdoor toilets – all of this compromises the optimal hand hygiene and health of students.
COVID-19 response efforts and strategies have created an unprecedented moment in time for hand hygiene. The time to accelerate progress on hand hygiene is now – before the next health crisis is upon us.
Societies should commit to hand hygiene not only as a temporary public health intervention in times of crisis, but as a vital everyday behaviour that contributes to health, wellness and economic resilience. Let’s do this together!