The government has urged all actors in the water and sanitation sector to strengthen the message about the significance of hand-washing with water and soap as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The call comes in advance of Global Handwashing Day, which is commemorated on October 15.
The purpose of the annual global advocacy day is to increase awareness and comprehension of the significance of handwashing with soap as an effective and inexpensive method of disease prevention.
It is a chance to design, test, and replicate innovative methods to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has emphasized the significance of hand-washing with water and soap “not only during the month of October, but as a way of life to maintain good health.”
“The explanation is straightforward: by washing your hands with water and soap, you can protect yourself from a variety of diseases and illnesses, such as COVID-19, cholera, and diarrhea.
According to the General Household Survey of 2020, 82.1% of South African households have access to basic sanitation, and 88.2% have access to pipe or tap water, whether off site or onsite.
This information is significant, according to the department, because households with access to hand washing facilities, such as basins, bowls, or functioning taps, were more likely to wash their hands with water and soap.
Additionally, there is a need to strengthen assistance to Water Service Authorities, such as municipalities. This can be accomplished through collaboration and partnerships in the water and sanitation sectors.
“Community participation will also be strengthened by enhancing water and sanitation forums,” stated the department.
Global Handwashing Day began in 2008, when over 120 million children in more than 70 countries washed their hands with water and soap.