Stay Healthy with Proper Hand Hygiene: Soap Donation for Global Handwashing Day

Stay Healthy with Proper Hand Hygiene: Soap Donation for Global Handwashing Day

Handwashing is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – and now, as we enter flu season, it’s even more critical that people use proper hand hygiene as a means to stay healthy. As part of Global Handwashing Day, we are funding the distribution of 200,000 bars of soap and additional hygiene products, along with handwashing education programs, to vulnerable communities through Clean the World Foundation, a global nonprofit health organization.

“Clean the World Foundation is helping communities stay healthy and safe,” said Bill Valle, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care North America. "As we face flu season and COVID-19, we need to remain vigilant with universal safety precautions including handwashing – an important and effective tool to slow the spread of these viruses.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper handwashing is essential in preventing the spread of COVID-19. As flu season arrives, it is a priority to ensure that those who cannot afford hygienic products, such as soap, have a means to protect themselves against COVID-19 and the flu. 

“We’re deeply grateful for the support of Fresenius Medical Care North America, and we’re excited to work together to get critically-needed hygiene supplies to some of the most at-risk communities throughout the United States,” said Sam Stephens, Executive Director of Clean the World Foundation.

In addition to distributing soap to those in need, Clean the World Foundation helps provide access to water and sanitation, as well as health education and microfinancing. Global Handwashing Day, which is recognized on October 15, 2020, is a global advocacy day to increase awareness and emphasize the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.