Don't Leave Without Washing Your Hands!

October 15, 2010
By Eileen Lambert

If you’re seeing more people lathering up today, that’s because it’s Global Handwashing Day. While it may sound like a day that promotes a habit we all do already; it’s not the case—even in the developed world! Can you believe that 80% of preventable disease is spread through dirty hands?

At a recent event, our CEO, Ned Breslin tweeted, “In bathroom at Stockholm Water Week. Sector specialists, pushing handwashing. 3 people left bathroom without washing hands. Classic.”

While the world takes 24 hours to promote regular handwashing, Pantaleon Toño in Guatemala works every day to educate 14 communities near where he lives. On any given day, you can find Toño, who works with Water For People and our partner Adichcom, up early and walking to a community to do hygiene training. A three, sometimes four-hour walk round-trip, is worth the improvements he sees in the health of the people he serves.

“Even if I wasn’t paid, I would do this because people need to have adequate education,” Toño said. “I love the children and I don’t want them to get sick from bad habits.”

Always focused on outcomes, Water For People and Adichcom found that Toño was highly successful and his teaching had long-lasting benefits because he spoke to community members in their local language of Quiché. Working with 25 people at a time, Toño is affecting the health and hygiene of men, women and children.

We invite you to share this fun video with your friends and family, just as Toño shares his passion for hygiene and health. Central America Regional Reporter, Elias Assaf, presents a story of water, soap, and hands to VTV Informativo in Honduras.