Born on October 15

Global Handwashing Day

Twenty seconds with soap.

Next: October 15, 2027

Where it comes from

Global Handwashing Day was started by the Global Handwashing Partnership, then called the Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing, and announced at World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2008, the UN's International Year of Sanitation.

How it's celebrated

Schools, health workers and community leaders run demonstrations, build sinks and simple 'tippy taps', and teach children the critical times to wash: before preparing food, before eating, and after using the toilet.

Did you know

On the first Global Handwashing Day, cricket star Sachin Tendulkar led India's campaign as children across South Asia washed their hands at the same time.

Read the full story of Global Handwashing Day

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Libra · September 23 – October 22 · Air sign

Fair-minded and charming, forever weighing both sides.

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