FREETOWN, 15 October 2025 – On the occasion of Global Handwashing Day 2025, UNICEF Sierra Leone has launched a rallying cry for all citizens to become “Handwashing Heroes” by making handwashing with soap a consistent daily practice. The call to action is extended to everyone, from children and parents to teachers, health workers, and community leaders, emphasizing that this simple habit is a powerful tool to protect lives and improve public health.
The appeal highlights a critical gap between knowledge and practice within the country. According to the 2022 WASH National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) survey, while public awareness of handwashing is remarkably high at 94.7%, the actual practice remains low. This is largely due to a severe lack of infrastructure; only 11.6% of households have access to basic hand hygiene services, and nearly eight out of ten schools are without functional handwashing facilities. UNICEF stresses that this disparity underscores an urgent need for increased investment in handwashing infrastructure, consistent availability of soap, and sustained programmes to promote behavioural change.
The health implications of proper hand hygiene are profound. Regular handwashing with soap significantly reduces the risk of diarrhoeal and respiratory diseases and is a crucial defence against the spread of infectious illnesses, including cholera, Mpox, and COVID-19. Furthermore, it protects against skin and eye infections, reduces absenteeism in schools and workplaces, and provides a vital shield for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone, stated, “This year’s theme, ‘Be a Handwashing Hero,’ reminds us that everyone can make a difference by washing their hands with soap. UNICEF continues to work with the Government and partners to support efforts to improve access to handwashing facilities and promote good handwashing habits.”
On this Global Handwashing Day, UNICEF is calling for a unified effort from government institutions, schools, communities, the private sector, and the media. By working together to make handwashing with soap a national standard, everyone can contribute to preventing disease, protecting children, and building a healthier, safer, and more resilient Sierra Leone for every child.
