Global Handwashing Day: Events around the world supported by Toilets For All

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, a day dedicated to raise awareness about handwashing through creative ways. This year´s theme: “Clean hands for all” focuses on the importance of handwashing equity. Handwashing with soap is a simple, effective and affordable way to prevent diseases. It is truly incredible how this 20 second practice can save lives! Do you know the steps to wash your hands properly? See here: https://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en

Toilets For All advocates for handwashing as part of its mission. Thanks to its collaboration with MSR Global Health, Toilets for All has provided different projects with handwashing stations called POVU POA which means “Cool Foam” in Kiswhahili. POVU POA is an innovative system formed by both a foaming hand soap dispenser and a water efficient foot pump. The result is a consistent handwashing facility which reduces the costs of soap and water.

We are thrilled to share with you the three events which happened in different parts of the world: Guatemala, Kenya and Switzerland on Global Handwashing Day.

Mosan celebrated the occasion together with MAGA (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food) and the local artisanal soap company Atitlan Herbals in Santa Catalina Polopó, Sololá, Guatemala. The event included interactive and fun activities where about 80 indigenous women finger painted and designed a Handwashing Promotion Poster for Santa Catarina. After that, they washed their hands using the PAVU POA stations.

Mobile Alert Toilets, MAT, spent Global Handwashing Day with Smiling School in Korogocho, Nairobi, Kenya. The students were able to use the POVU POA stations and they were very satisfied with their simplicity and their child-friendly size. Besides, about 70 students were able to use a full bucket of water before it needed to be refilled.

Toilets For All organized a small event to raise awareness about Global Handwashing Day in Rümelinsplatz, the heart of the old town in Basel. The visitors were able to try out the two POVU POA handwashing stations and they emphasized its ease of use and practical design. Moreover, they learnt about Toilets For All’s work together with its partner MAT in the Korogocho Slum.

Text written by: María Bravo