Da Nang spreads the message “Clean hand – Confident – Healthy”

Da Nang, October 11, 2025 – In celebration of Global Handwashing Day (October 15) and the International Day of the Girl Child (October 11), UNICEF Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Da Nang Department of Health (DoH) and the Department of Education and Training (DoE), organized the event “Handwashing Heroes” at Nguyen Hue Secondary School (Hai Chau District), attracting the active participation of over 1,000 students.

The event is part of the Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) – Da Nang, 2023–2026 and the Healthy Cities for Adolescents – Phase II (HCA-II) project, funded by Fondation Botnar and managed by Ecorys, aiming to promote children’s rights to live in a healthy environment, receive proper care, and reach their full potential.

Handwashing with Soap – A Shield for Health

With the messages “Handwashing with soap – A shield for health” and “Safe menstrual hygiene – Caring for health, staying confident at school”, the event sought to raise awareness among students, teachers, and communities about the importance of clean water, personal hygiene, and adolescent reproductive health, especially for girls.

• Over 1,000 students, teachers, and representatives joined a series of lively and educational activities:
• A theatrical performance on menstrual hygiene and gender equality.
• A “6 Steps of Handwashing” puzzle game, following the Ministry of Health’s guidelines.
• A “Health Wheel” quiz and an interactive poster exhibition on clean water, sanitation, and adolescent health.
• A handprint pledge ceremony, where participants committed to “Clean Schools – Healthy Students – Bright Futures.”
• The event concluded with an energetic folk dance performance, “Handwashing with Soap and Clean Water,” promoting joy and togetherness.

A Call to Action for Health and Equality

At the event, Dr. Nguyen Huy Du – Acting Chief of School Health and Nutrition (CSDE), UNICEF Viet Nam – called for:

• Ensuring that all schools provide access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities for students.
• Enhancing personal hygiene education, especially for girls, while engaging boys and fathers in promoting hygiene practices.
• Strengthening collaboration among schools, families, local authorities, and the private sector to improve community hygiene.
• Investing in solutions that protect girls’ rights and safety, focusing on access to clean water and proper sanitation.

Hoang Nu Minh Thu, a 7th-grade student and member of the “Agents for Change” club at Nguyen Hue Secondary School, shared:

“We are committed to spreading the importance of personal hygiene to our friends so that good habits become part of our daily lives.”

A representative from the school affirmed:

“We are determined to build a safe, clean, and friendly school environment where every student – especially girls – can grow up healthy, confident, and happy.”

Join Hands for a Healthy, Equal, and Sustainable Future

This meaningful event helped promote gender equality, school health, and girls’ rights, reinforcing Da Nang’s commitment to becoming a child-friendly, safe, and inclusive city for every child.

Let’s take action – wash your hands with soap every day to protect your health, your family, and your community! 

*Photos and inputs provided by Viet Vu – Adolescents & Youth Advisory Group (AYAG) Member & Champion Press, HCA-II Da Nang