Access to water, sanitation and hygiene promotion is one of the key aspects to securing the health status of populations affected by emergencies and humanitarian crises. The impact of hygiene promotion and washing of hands with soap has wider health implications, as hands are vectors that can transport disease agents from humans to humans, directly or indirectly. Furthermore, the ability to wash hands contributes to maintaining the dignity, human rights, mental health, safety and security of an affected population.
The main purpose of this research piece is to explore the challenges and opportunities around handwashing practices in emergencies. This report complements and builds on the findings of a comprehensive review undertaken by the University at Buffalo, ‘Strategies & Challenges to Handwashing Promotion in Humanitarian Emergencies’ in 2014 (Vujcic et al., 2014) and is intended to engage those involved in handwashing research, development and implementation.
Ramos, M., Benelli, P., Irvine, E., Watson, J. (2016). WASH in Emergencies Problem Exploration Report Handwashing Humanitarian Innovation Fund, London, UK
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