Pneumonia and diarrhea remain the leading causes of child mortality under five, yet a simple act like washing hands with soap can save countless lives. Recognizing this, The We Foundation launched the “Care for Hands” campaign, a week-long initiative (October 11–16, 2022) in Dharavi, Mumbai, during Global Handwashing Day.
In collaboration with Children for Change (a CSR initiative by VVF), Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the World Health Organization (WHO), the campaign reached schools and the slum community in Dharavi, aiming to instill hand hygiene practices as a simple yet powerful defence against disease.
Key Highlights
- Educating Communities: Children in Dharavi’s most populated BMC schools learned the five-step handwashing technique through live demonstrations by WHO personnel.
- Extending the Impact: Each child received a packet of soap to practice and share hand hygiene lessons with their families, creating a ripple effect of awareness.
- Building Awareness: The campaign emphasized the role of handwashing as a DIY solution to prevent infections, reduce absenteeism, and foster healthier communities.
Impact in Numbers
- Direct Beneficiaries: 19,360 school children and teachers.
- Total Population Impacted: 135,520 across Dharavi’s slum community.
The campaign not only reinforced the critical importance of hand hygiene but also united schools, communities, and government systems for sustained health improvements. This initiative lays the foundation for long-term WASH and health programs to address systemic gaps, inspiring a healthier future for Maharashtra and beyond.