Global Handwashing Day 2025: Mbale Stands for Clean Hands and Healthy Communities

In today’s fast-paced world, many people overlook the small habits that make the biggest difference. Among them is handwashing — a simple act that saves millions of lives every year. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that clean hands mean healthy communities. Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent infections, yet it is often taken for granted.

This year, under the global theme “Clean Hands for All: Accelerating Hygiene Equity,” the School of Hygiene Mbale (Mbale SOH) proudly joined the rest of the world in celebrating Global Handwashing Day 2025. The main celebration took place on October 15th at Mbale Cricket Grounds, graced by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, as the Chief Guest.

Building Up to the Big Day

Three days prior to the main celebration, the School of Hygiene Mbale launched pre-activities aimed at engaging the community and spreading hygiene awareness. The activities were flagged off at Mbale Municipal Council, where teams from the Ministry of Health, together with local leaders and health officials, met to brief participants.

The energy was high, the commitment visible — all united under one mission: “Promoting hygiene for a healthier Mbale.”

The School of Hygiene Mbale was assigned to Busamaga Health Centre III and Nabweya Cell, under the guidance of Madam Betty Mutonyi, the Health Inspector for Busamaga. She commended the school’s active participation and highlighted the critical role that young people play in promoting hygiene and behavioral change within communities.

Hands-On Community Engagement

Guided by Madam Nabukonde Hadijah (VHT), students moved door-to-door within Nabweya Cell, holding meaningful conversations with residents about disease prevention, sanitation, and proper waste management. They didn’t just talk about hygiene — they demonstrated it, showing families how regular handwashing with soap and clean water can protect them from diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera.

The Local Council Chairman, Mr. Khaukha H., welcomed the team and expressed deep gratitude for the students’ commitment to public health. He encouraged continuous engagement, reminding all residents that “a clean environment begins with individual responsibility.”

Beyond Homes — Cleaning the City

While one team focused on households, another group of students rolled up their sleeves and took to the streets — cleaning markets, taxi parks, bus stages, and other public spaces.

These areas, often crowded and busy, can easily become breeding grounds for infections if left unattended. The students’ dedication proved that hygiene goes beyond personal health; it’s a shared duty to protect the entire community.

In addition, the teams carried out health inspection checklists in major public areas including worship centers, shopping arcades, and open markets. Their assessments helped identify areas for improvement and encouraged facility owners to maintain cleanliness standards.

Through these practical actions, the School of Hygiene Mbale demonstrated that handwashing and sanitation are the cornerstones of a healthy society.

Clean Hands, Healthy Lives

As Mbale marked this year’s Global Handwashing Day, the message resounded across every household, street, and school:

👉 Hand hygiene is everyone’s responsibility.

This campaign is not just a school initiative or a government directive — it’s a movement for behavioral change and a call for every citizen to take action. The School of Hygiene Mbale stands proudly as part of this global effort, promoting hygiene equity and ensuring that everyone — regardless of location, background, or income — has access to safe handwashing facilities and accurate health education.

A Call to Action

Global Handwashing Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder of our shared duty to sustain clean and healthy living habits.

As the world continues to learn from the lessons of the pandemic, we must remember that our first line of defense is in our own hands.

At @mbalesoh (School of Hygiene Mbale), we remain steadfast in building a culture of hygiene, prevention, and public health excellence — one clean hand at a time.

Together, let’s accelerate hygiene equity and build a healthier, safer, and cleaner Mbale for generations to come.

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