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 importance of handwashing with soap goes beyond just mothers; fathers too play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of their children. By practising proper hand hygiene, fathers can protect their child’s well-being and minimize the risk of contamination within their environment. Hence, to involve fathers in the process, the simple ‘Key Occasions of HWWS for Fathers’ card emphasizes the four high-risk occasions on which fathers must wash their hands with soap, i.e., before touching the child, before feeding the child, after returning home from work 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 Fathers Card

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