Final Phase 1 Report: Supertowel

Access to handwashing facilities in humanitarian emergencies are limited or non-existent. As a results people affected by emergencies will not wash their hands or at least not often enough. This has the effect that diseases related to hand hygiene increases dramatically.

Present solution: Distribution of soap (and water). This solution does not solve the problem as it requires an almost impossible logistic operation. As water, is largely a scarce resource it will be used primarily for other purposes than handwashing.

Supertowel is a highly efficient and antimicrobial durable fabric. It will be used for handwashing as substitute for soap and running water. Proof of concept will be established in laboratory. Field test examines user-acceptance and required behaviour change communication.

The final Phase 1 report provides information on the methodology, activities, outputs, impact and dissemination of learning during Phase 1 – laboratory tests.