Transforming Lives by Changing Habits

October 15 is #GlobalHandwashingDay

Many of us take handwashing for granted yet over 60 percent of people in the Global South have no basic hand hygiene. This year's Global Handwashing Day theme, "Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?" reminds us of the profound impact handwashing has on public health. According to WHO and UNICEF, the simple act of washing one's hands with soap could reduce diarrheal diseases by as much as 30 percent and respiratory infections by nearly 20 percent.

Despite such statistics, hand hygiene remains a fundamental challenge in many countries. In Nepal, more than 22 percent of households struggle to maintain basic hygiene. However, this is beginning to change through efforts such as those of the USAID Karnali Water Activity. The project has now completed 186 community-led, sustainable water supply and sanitation schemes, benefitting over 35,300 people across the Karnali River Basin. The schemes provide communities with access to safe drinking water, education about the productive use of water, water-saving techniques, menstrual hygiene, and handwashing with soap. The Karnali Water team's demonstrations and orientations on handwashing thave reached over 3,500 people, including more than 1,800 women and 1,060 members of Dalit populations. Four women share how access to safe drinking water and improved handwashing habits have transformed their lives and communities.

Karishma, a student from Kailali district: "I never knew the importance of washing hands before. We had no clean water, but now there is water at school, and we learned how to wash our hands correctly: before meals, after visiting the toilet, and when returning from playing outside. I help remind my younger siblings to do the same. It's a minor thing to do, but I see fewer of us getting sick now, which makes all the difference in the world."

Janaki from Surkhet district: "I used to walk for hours every day just to fetch water for our family. It was exhausting, and we couldn't always spare the water for handwashing. But now, with clean water at home, everything is different. I taught my little brother the right way to wash his hands, and ever since we started doing it properly, he never falls sick like before. It’s a small thing that has changed, but the effect on our health is huge.”

Prapti, a teenager from a remote community in Achham: "Before, we did not always have enough water for basic things, including washing hands or cooking, but now, thanks to the double solar lift, we can have as much as possible right at our houses. I have learned how important it is to wash my hands with soap, and I ensure my family follows suit. We have been taught how it prevents diseases at school, and we can see the difference. My friends and I are healthier, and we don’t miss a day of school. It's amazing how something so simple can change our lives."

Ambika, also from Achham: "Before having the water tap, I knew it was very important to wash our hands, but we could not do it regularly because we did not have enough water. After receiving hygiene sessions from the USAID Karnali Water Activity, I learned the steps involved in washing hands and how this helps prevent diseases. With water availability, I established a soap facility at the handwashing station for my family and encouraged their handwashing habits. This summer was the first time my family and I did not get sick due to waterborne diseases. I even motivated my neighbors regarding washing hands, and today, every household in our village has a hand-washing station. It's great to witness our community getting healthier together."

The positive changes experienced by these women and their communities from having easy access to clean water will help foster a dignified, cleanliness culture that will continue preventing disease for generations.

For more information about the USAID Karnali Water Activity: https://tinyurl.com/yhk23xbm