Joint Press Release | October 15, 2024

The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), joins nations around the world in celebrating Global Handwashing Day, observed every 15th of October with this year’s theme “Why Are Clean Hands Important?” to highlight the essential role of proper hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and promoting overall public health.

As part of its commitment to improving health outcomes of Filipinos, the DOH has included Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, or WASH as one of its 8 Priority Health Outcomes, with the goal of increasing the percentage of the population with access to clean water from 88% to 100%(1). In support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) WASH in Schools or WINS program, the DOH provided technical and financial assistance for schools to achieve healthy school standards, including maintenance and repair of toilets and other water facilities, implementation of handwashing nudges in toilets and handwashing facilities, installation of group handwashing facilities, and the conduct of daily handwashing drills in schools. Meanwhile, to help communities achieve improved sanitation and hygiene, the DOH also encourages local leaders to invest in and prioritize hand hygiene infrastructure and supplies. DOH is involved in the crafting and refining of the Global Guidelines for Hand Hygiene in Community Settings, an initiative spearheaded by the WHO and UNICEF.

The practice of regular handwashing with soap serves as a simple yet effective way to prevent illness and save lives, especially in vulnerable communities such as schools, healthcare settings, and households. Clean hands reduce the transmission of diarrheal diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and gastroenteritis by around 30%, and respiratory infections such as colds, flu, COVID-19, and Tuberculosis by around 20%(2). It also prevents the transmission of Mpox, especially in cases where one may come in contact with contaminated objects and/or surfaces. Further, handwashing also significantly prevents infection from Salmonella, and soil-transmitted parasites and worms.

The WHO continues to be a vital partner in supporting hand hygiene and sanitation programs across the country. “WHO Philippines encourages everyone to take hand hygiene seriously because this is essential for achieving Universal Health Care. By prioritizing infection prevention and control, especially through effective hand hygiene, we can significantly enhance quality of care and patient safety, ultimately ensuring better health for all,” said Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.

“Local leaders who prioritize access to clean and safe water for everyone in their communities make clean hands the first line of defense against disease. In our communities, especially those affected by floods or where access to clean water is a challenge, handwashing with soap saves lives. The DOH remains committed to promoting hand hygiene as a key health strategy to safeguard the well-being of all Filipinos,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.