Monday, October 15, 2012

Oct 15 is Global Handwashing Day

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3,000 children under the age of 5 die every year from diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhoea. 80% of these deaths occur in South Asia and Africa.

That is one staggering statistic. As a mother myself, no child is dispensable. No child should suffer. And no child should die when prevention and education can help. Thankfully, this statistic is also one that can be prevented by the simple act of handwashing with soap!

As parents, we talk a lot about milestones in the lives of our children. When they roll over, start to crawl, begin to potter around and walk, that very first time they mumble their first words like “Mama” or a “Papa” (or in Jay’s case “guitar” or for Xav it was a “Rarrrr” for a dinosaur roar), the first time they play a musical instrument or somersault.

And yet for some children, a milestone is simply reaching the age of 5.

Lifebuoy has, for the past 5 years, worked to bring a much-needed hygiene education to young children, in particular in third world nations like Africa. Education brings understanding, and once the children are made to understand about the importance of handwashing with soap, they then get a shot at fight against germs and infections.

Every year, on October 15, the Global Handwashing Day, an initiative by Lifebuoy, is celebrated the world over. The benefits of handwashing cannot be over-emphasized – this simple act of washing hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.

You can do your part too. Pledge today by simply going here, and for every pledge made, Lifebuoy will teach a single child hygiene education to help them reach the age of 5! Together, we can make a difference!

Lifebuoy_Banner (500mm)

1 comment:

The Nickles four said...

What a great program! Also I like your kids first words so cute!