Publication: Handwashing Programs for Better Hygiene
Date
2009-04
ISSN
Published
2009-04
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
The handwashing handbook advocates
handwashing-with-soap programs to fight the spread of
disease. It covers the following components: laying the
foundation for a National Handwashing Program; understanding
the consumer; and implementing the program. The handbook
explains how to research consumer needs, communicate with
target audiences, design appropriate and appealing messages,
and implement a multi-channel promotional program.
Handwashing with soap can dramatically reduce the leading
causes of child mortality. The vast majority of child
mortality occurs among the world's poorest populations
in low and middle-income countries, with diarrhea and
respiratory infections responsible for two out of three
deaths. Handwashing with soap interrupts one of the main
transmission routes of diarrhea, respiratory infections,
skin infections and trachoma. Soap plays a key role in
stopping transmission; just washing with water has little or
no effect. Studies have shown that handwashing with soap can
reduce diarrheas incidence by almost half and respiratory
infections by a third.
Citation
“World Bank. 2009. Handwashing Programs for Better Hygiene. Water P-Notes; No. 35. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/a86ed238-eeac-51d0-95bc-811b9f9e747a License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”