A global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of hand washing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
![“Make Handwashing a Habit!” - Global Hand washing Day 2016 6 hand hygiene the facts 7 728](http://image.slidesharecdn.com/handhygiene-thefacts-090615172345-phpapp01/95/hand-hygiene-the-facts-7-728.jpg?cb=1245086666)
![“Make Handwashing a Habit!” - Global Hand washing Day 2016 6 hand hygiene the facts 7 728](http://image.slidesharecdn.com/handhygiene-thefacts-090615172345-phpapp01/95/hand-hygiene-the-facts-7-728.jpg?cb=1245086666)
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After touching garbage
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.