October 16: Bhutan joined 70 other countries across five continents to observe the Global Hand Washing Day yesterday. The day was observed at the Loseling Lower Secondary School in Chnagjiji, Thimphu.

The resident representative of UNICEF, students, teachers and officials from the Health and Education Ministry took part in it.

This year, the day focused on children and schools.

According to UNICEF, after learning about the importance of hand washing, children can act as agents of change by taking the message to their families and communities.

UNICEF says washing hands with soaps after using toilet and before eating could significantly improve the health, survival and child mortality and help reduce poverty.

Poster and animation videos on the importance of hand washing were launched. Soaps were also distributed to the students.

According to the Annual Health Bulletin 2008, common cold is the top health problem in the country. Diarrhea was listed as the 5th most common disease in the country.

According to the UNICEF both the diseases can be reduced by 50% if hand washing is practiced by everyone. This can also reduce the health care costs for diarrhea, common cold and other respiratory diseases.

The vice principal of Loseling Lower Secondary school said teachers have an important role in imparting sanitation and hygiene messages to the students.

As part of the programme, the students also organized cultural programmes themed on hand washing.