GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY 2008

That this House notes that the deficiency in proper handwashing contributes to the spread of preventable diseases such as diarrhoea, which kills more than two million children around the world a year; recognises that the simple and easy action of handwashing with soap could save one million lives every year; further notes that proper handwashing is the most cost-effective means of preventing infectious diseases in developing countries; further notes that the inaugural Global Handwashing Day takes place on 15th October involving events in more than 60 countries; further notes that 2008 is the UN International Year of Sanitation; congratulates those groups taking part in the campaign; and calls on the Government and the Department for International Development to support efforts to promote hygiene and particularly handwashing around the world, and to raise awareness of the importance of handwashing amongst children in the UK.