WASH in Emergencies Problem Exploration Report: Handwashing

The promotion and uptake of effective handwashing practices are critical in ensuring the health of populations affected by emergencies and humanitarian crises.

Handwashing with soap is recognised as an easy, effective and affordable method to protect and prevent disease transmission and should be achievable, even in emergency settings. However, handwashing practices in humanitarian crises are often found to be deficient and less effective than expected programming, with many socio-cultural, technical and financial factors likely contributing to the problem.

In order to achieve greater public health benefits associated with good handwashing practices, WASH actors need to identify and apply collaborative and sustainable methods to improve handwashing solutions and promotion for those affected by emergencies and humanitarian crises.

This research report puts forward three exploration areas which would benefit from additional attention.