A ceremony was launched in Bangkok, Thailand to mark the Global Handwashing Day on October 15.

This is the fifth year such an event has been co-organised by both the government and the private sector in line with the United Nations with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap, as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases.

Global Handwashing Day was originally created for children and schools, but can also be celebrated by anyone promoting handwashing with soap.

The Bangkok event included a demonstration on the seven steps of a correct handwashing method as well as research results that handwashing is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal and acute respiratory infections which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries.

Research shows that by washing hands with soap, the chance of getting in contact with those diseases including conjunctivitis and skin infections will be reduced by 50 percent.-VNA