Handwashing, a critical defense against diseases like COVID-19, remains inaccessible to over 2 billion people globally due to lack of clean water and sanitation. Despite decades of work by organizations like Water For People and IRC, a staggering $85 billion annual funding gap persists, hindering progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (universal water and sanitation access by 2030). While COVID-19 spotlighted hygiene’s importance, 829,000 people die yearly from water-related issues—a silent crisis overshadowed by pandemic headlines. The article urges action: advocate for global health funding, support systemic change through coalitions like Agenda for Change, and raise awareness about water access as a public health priority.