08 December 2025 | Santosh Hospitals

Handwashing is one of the simplest, most effective actions we can take to protect our health. Every year, World Handwashing Week is observed to remind people across the globe about the importance of clean hands, infection prevention, and maintaining good hygiene practices. As the best multispecialty hospital in Delhi NCR, Santosh Hospital is committed to spreading essential awareness that helps families stay safe and healthy. This World Handwashing Week, we aim to educate people on how clean hands can prevent diseases, reduce pollution-related infections, and improve overall public health.

Why World Handwashing Week Matters

Handwashing is not just a habit. it is a life-saving practice. The human hands touch hundreds of surfaces throughout the day, making them one of the primary carriers of germs, viruses, and harmful bacteria. If not washed properly, these germs can travel from hands to eyes, nose, mouth, and eventually into the body, causing infections such as diarrhea, flu, respiratory illnesses, skin infections, and even more complex health issues.

In today’s world, where pollution levels are rising rapidly, the risk of infections is higher. Dust particles, pollutants, and toxins present in the air settle on surfaces we touch every day. This makes handwashing even more important, especially for children, elderly individuals, and people with weak immunity.

As a healthcare leader and one of the best hospitals in India, Santosh Hospital continuously promotes preventive healthcare practices that empower people to protect themselves before diseases occur.

The Connection Between Handwashing and Pollution

While World Handwashing Week focuses mainly on hygiene and disease prevention, it is also closely linked to world pollution. Polluted environments expose us to various microorganisms, chemicals, and harmful particles that stick to our skin and hands. When we unknowingly touch our face or eat food without washing hands, these pollutants can enter the body and cause multiple infections or allergic reactions.

In urban areas like Delhi NCR, where pollution levels often rise beyond safe limits, practicing proper hand hygiene becomes essential. Santosh Hospital encourages everyone to follow the “Clean Hands, Healthy Life” principle as a powerful preventive measure against pollution-related health concerns.

How Proper Handwashing Protects You

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends washing hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. This simple step removes:

• Germs and bacteria
• Pollution particles
• Harmful chemicals
• Dust and allergens
• Viruses and contaminants

Proper handwashing helps break the chain of infection and reduces the spread of illnesses within families, workplaces, schools, and public spaces.

At Santosh Hospital, our infection-control experts emphasize that correct handwashing can reduce:

• 40% of diarrheal diseases
• 25% of respiratory infections
• Hospital-acquired infections
• Pollution-related allergies

This makes hand hygiene one of the strongest tools in preventive healthcare.

When You Should Wash Your Hands

Santosh Hospital advises washing hands frequently during the day, especially:

• Before and after eating
• After using the washroom
• After touching surfaces in public places
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After handling cash
• After touching pets
• After returning home from outside

Teaching children these habits from a young age helps build a healthier, safer future for them.

Steps for Correct Handwashing

To ensure your hands are truly clean, follow these steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water
2. Apply soap and lather well
3. Rub the back of your hands
4. Clean between fingers
5. Scrub under nails
6. Clean thumbs and wrists
7. Rinse thoroughly
8. Dry with a clean towel or air dryer

Handwashing should take at least 20 seconds to be effective.

Santosh Hospital’s Commitment to Public Health

As the best multispecialty hospital in Delhi NCR, Santosh Hospital continuously works towards building a healthier community through awareness activities, expert medical care, and patient-centred services.

During World Handwashing Week, our departments - including Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Pulmonology—actively educate patients about hygiene, pollution’s impact on health and ways to reduce infections. Our team of specialists also conducts workshops in schools and residential societies to teach proper handwashing techniques.

How Santosh Hospital Promotes a Cleaner, Healthier Environment

Santosh Hospital’s commitment goes beyond treatment—we focus on prevention. Our initiatives include:

• Hygiene awareness camps
• Pollution-related health checkups
• Free educational sessions on correct handwashing
• Distribution of guidelines for families
• Training programs for caregivers and children

By empowering people with knowledge, we aim to reduce disease burden and promote a healthier community.

Conclusion

World Handwashing Week is a reminder that small habits can create big changes. Clean hands not only protect us from infections but also reduce the harmful effects of pollution on our health. Santosh Hospital, recognized as one of the best hospitals in India, is dedicated to guiding people with reliable, science based information that supports a healthier lifestyle.

This week, let us take a pledge to wash our hands regularly, maintain hygiene practices, and protect our loved ones from preventable diseases. Together, we can build a healthier and cleaner future.