One of the cheapest and fastest ways to safeguard the health of both children and adults in a community is through proper hand washing. Since 2008, Global Handwashing Day has been celebrated each year on October 15th. 

According to UNICEF’s WASH Fact sheet for the Eastern Caribbean, adoption of hand washing as a regular hygiene practice can cut the risk of diarrhoeal diseases by 30%, and reduce respiratory infections by 20%. Yet, challenges persist. Although hand washing is one of the cheapest means of preventing diseases, limited infrastructure and lack of supplies in rural East Africa can stand in the way. 

Asante Africa Foundation teams work to ensure that youth and their communities gain lasting knowledge on safe health practices, including hand washing, wherever we deliver programs. Through our Wezesha Vijana Program, we teach children about hygiene and provide youth with the tools and supplies they need to maintain these essential practices. 

Establishing routine hand washing creates a cleaner, healthier learning environment. When children stay well, they can focus on learning rather than illness. Clean hands also mean that precious financial and human resources can be directed towards learning rather than treatment. 

Without clean hands, too many children remain at risk of preventable diseases—risks that cut short their opportunities and potential. With clean hands, youth can harness their abilities, pursue their education, and build brighter futures.