15 Oct 2008 | FXB India Celebrates Global Handwashing Day with Awareness Activities
On October 15th, 2008, FXB India led a coalition of prominent NGOs in celebrating Global Handwashing Day. This year’s focus was on educating schoolchildren about hygiene regimens and handwashing, ultimately reaching over 250,000 children in 15 Indian states. Major events were held in cities and towns across the country with enthusiastic participation from government representatives, schools, and national film and sports celebrities. The events were successful in raising awareness about the importance of handwashing as a powerful public health intervention.
Poor hygiene and lack of access to sanitation contribute to approximately 88% of deaths from diarrheal diseases, accounting for 1.5 million deaths of children under age five each year. These deaths can be easily prevented with the simple act of hand washing with water and soap. This solution is an effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal and acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries every year.
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