Observing Global Hand Washing Day

Today is the Global Hand Washing Day. Bangladesh and other countries are observing the day in a befitting manner. This year, the day's theme is 'Clean Hands are Within Reach'. Observance of the day helps create mass awareness. It is also necessary to improve the sanitation system in the country. The importance of hand washing is known to all. During the COVID-19 pandemic, frequent and proper hand washing prevented many deaths. Bangladesh has also increased hand washing coverage by around 17 per cent in five years only.

The country's primary schools need special attention on hand washing. In the last decade, the government constructed some 62,000 wash blocks at 32,422 primary schools. These schools also get 22,528 hand-wash basins. Still, many schools still need to improve sanitary latrines, wash-blocks and basins. Thus, the government needs to expand the facilities. It will help students develop knowledge and habits of using safe water. It will also encourage hygiene and health protection practices among teenagers. Moreover, the country needs a large number of public and community toilets for greater hygienic sanitation.

Nazmun Naher

Narayanganj