In celebration of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, cities and districts of Tajikistan’s Republican Subordination and Khatlon Region hosted a series of five community-focused events from October 8 to 15 as part of the Implementation of the Three Stars Approach on WASH in Schools of Tajikistan project. Funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF in partnership with Equidev, this initiative aims to elevate awareness of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices.
Around 2,300 people – including teachers, schoolchildren, health workers, community leaders, representatives of healthy lifestyle centers, government officials, and residents—participated in activities emphasizing the importance of handwashing with soap and water, particularly during key moments throughout the day.
Held in both urban and rural settings, each event gathered residents from neighboring areas, creating a vibrant platform for health education. Schoolchildren led live demonstrations of proper handwashing techniques, reinforcing essential hygiene practices. The celebrations also included lively performances, with participants singing, dancing, and reciting poems focused on water, sanitation, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Additional activities, such as drawing competitions on WASH-related themes, inspired attendees of all ages, fostering a fun yet impactful environment for learning. To encourage participation, organizers distributed gifts to those who contributed to displays and performances, strengthening community involvement and a shared commitment to healthful practices across the region.
