25^th of October marks the Global Handwashing Day. This year, Afghan children observed the day with Save the Children across Afghanistan, especially in Balkh, Nangarhar, Sar-e-Pul, Faryab, and Jawzjan provinces. The event included awareness sessions on the importance of hand hygiene, targeting both children and community members. The sessions discussed the benefits of handwashing at key moments in the children’s native languages to ensure comprehension and engagement.

Global Handwashing Day is an international campaign aimed at promoting hand hygiene as a vital practice for preventing illness and saving lives. The day focuses on encouraging people to wash their hands with soap at critical times—such as before eating or after using the restroom—to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, including foodborne illnesses and respiratory infections.

Marwa*, 8 years old, shared her excitement: “I am very happy that today our teacher came to us and demonstrated the correct handwashing steps, allowing all of us to practice in the yard. We now know that washing our hands can kill germs and save our lives”.

This initiative was supported by the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).