Context:
Diarrhoea and respiratory infections (RI) such as pneumonia continue to be leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in India. Improved hygiene practices are considered among the most cost-effective social interventions for preventing these child deaths and the simple act of handwashing with soap (HWWS) can reduce the risk of diarrhoea by 45% and the risk of pneumonia by 23%.
Unfortunately, many people remain ignorant of the significant impact this simple habit can have on preventing the spread of diseases. Only 25.3% of rural households and 56% of urban households in India practice handwashing with soap before meals, and 26% neglect proper hand hygiene after using the toilet. 

Purpose:
The ‘Key Occasions of HWWS for Mothers Card’ raises awareness about the vulnerability of infants to infections and the vital role of regular handwashing in reducing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. By practising proper hand hygiene, parents can protect their child’s well-being and minimize the risk of contamination within their environment. The card emphasizes the four high-risk occasions on which mothers must wash their hands with soap, i.e., before breastfeeding/feeding the child, before touching and cooking food, after cleaning the child’s faeces and after defecation.

Target Groups:
Parents of 0–2-year-old children

Key Messages:
Washing hands with soap on all key occasions is crucial to prevent the spread of germs, thus protecting children from harmful infections.

Duration:
3 minutes

Required Resources:
The Key Occasions of HWWS for Mothers Card

How to Use: 
While displaying the card, highlight the four key occasions of HWWS for mothers and complement it with the communicator’s script for sensitization.