The first Global Handwashing Day was held in 2008, when over 120 million children around the world washed their hands with soap in more than 70 countries. Since 2008, community and national leaders have used GHD to spread the word about handwashing, build sinks and tippy taps and demonstrate the simplicity and value of clean hands. Organized by The Global Handwashing Partnership , this important day is often taken for granted. There are still many parts of this world where there is no soap, no fresh water, no sinks to perform the simple task of washing your hands. Today is a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.