Slipping away from deadly diseases with a bar of soap
© UNICEF/UN0507478
School children in Kisangani, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are washing their hands with soap and clean
water in the playground.
Handwashing with soap is recognised as one of the most inexpensive and, more importantly, effective way of
preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In a time where the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rampage on a global
scale, the importance of handwashing with soap has never been more critical to stopping its spread, as well as other
deadly-yet-preventable illnesses such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and influenza.
Despite its effectiveness, 63 per cent of the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Kisangani, still don't
have access to basic handwashing tools, placing its communities at the higher risk of contracting and spreading
deadly diseases due to the population density.
Around the world, more than 900 million children are unable to access handwashing facilities with clean water and
soap at their schools, not only putting their lives at risk, but also their ability to go to school.
Over the past year, UNICEF has been upscaling the distribution of hygiene essentials including bars of soap, to
ensure even the most vulnerable communities are protected.
Protect and empower children with an essential gift of hygiene today.