Heroes Wash Their Hands

 Monrovia, Liberia —

Liberia joined the world in celebrating Global Handwashing Day with a renewed call for every child, parent, and community to be a #HandwashingHero. The day highlighted how simple handwashing with soap can save lives and strengthen communities.

This year’s celebration, held under the global theme “Be a Handwashing Hero!” and Liberia’s national sub-theme “WASH to Win – Score for Clean Hands,” emphasized the importance of maintaining hand hygiene as a cornerstone of public health. Schools, health facilities, and community spaces across the country took part in demonstrations, awareness activities, and fun learning sessions reinforcing that clean hands are key to a healthy Liberia.

According to recent data, only 3% of households in Liberia have a handwashing facility with both soap and water, a reminder of the urgent need for improved hygiene infrastructure and education. Nationally, 73% of households lack any facility, while 24% have limited access. In rural areas, 83% have no handwashing facility. Meanwhile, 34% of Liberians still practice open defecation, with the majority living in rural communities.

Children and Leaders Champion Hygiene

At D. Tweh Memorial High School in New Kru Town, students, teachers, and government officials gathered for this year’s national event. The Deputy Minister of Education, Madam Sona T. Sesay praised the commitment of young people in leading the hygiene movement:
 

“A healthy child learns better in a healthy environment which promotes dignity, safety and ultimately builds a stronger Liberia. Children are the true heroes, not just for handwashing. The fight for clean hands is a fight for a healthier and better Liberia.”

Students took center stage in sharing what handwashing means to them:
 

“If I see someone coming back from the toilet without washing their hands, I will tell them to go back. When I am healthier, everyone else is — it is a collective responsibility.”

UNICEF Representative Encourages Children’s Leadership

During the celebrations, UNICEF Representative Andy Brooks joined students in an interactive discussion on access to clean water and how they practice good handwashing hygiene both in and out of the classroom. While speaking with the students, Mr. Brooks emphasized that hygiene is not just about health — it’s also about learning, opportunity, and national progress.

Mr. Brooks also highlighted the Back to My Classroom Campaign, encouraging students to champion both education and hygiene among their peers as part of building a healthier and better-educated Liberia.

“What ideas do you have to encourage others?” Mr. Brooks asked the students. “I’m introducing these ideas because I want you to be aware but also be a part of something. Over half of Liberia’s children are not in school, and the President has launched a campaign to get 250,000 out-of-school children back into school. I know you can play a part in that.”

He added: “Only 1% of the population has a functional handwashing facility with soap and water. Nationally it’s only 3%, so there’s a big gap between availability and actual demand. Water, soap, and clear information — like when and how to wash your hands — are vital for a healthier future.”

A Nationwide Celebration of Hygiene and Learning

While the main celebration was held in Monrovia, Global Handwashing Day activities were organized across the country. In Zwedru, students marked the day through dramas, music, and football matches, emphasizing that clean hands are the foundation of strong communities.UNICEF, the Ministries of Education and Health, and members of the WASH Sector reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that every school, clinic, and community has access to safe, sustainable handwashing facilities. Through continued collaboration, investment, and innovation, Liberia aims to keep the heroism of handwashing alive across the nation — protecting every child, every family, and every community.

About Global Handwashing Day

Celebrated annually on October 15, Global Handwashing Day is a global advocacy day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap as one of the most effective, affordable ways to prevent disease and save lives. Learn more here:  www.globalhandwashing.org