Mission

The PPPHW works to make handwashing a common practice in homes, schools, and communities worldwide.

The PPPHW aims at achieving the following:

  • reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections in poor communities through promoting handwashing with soap;
  • implement large-scale handwashing interventions and use lessons to promote the approach at the global level;
  • share scientific evidence showing that handwashing with soap is an exceptionally cost-effective health intervention.

The PPPHW also seeks to promote awareness, build political commitment, and trigger action on this critical issue at local, national, and international levels.

The PPPHW adheres to the following principles:

  • The public sector in each country takes the lead, with technical assistance and support from outside agencies.*
  • Political commitment is required.
  • PPPHW programs are national in scale.
  • Public-private partnerships are only a means to an end.
  • The focus is on building and integrating existing water and sanitation, infrastructure, health, and school programs.
  • The focus is on measuring the impact of large-scale handwashing programs.
  • Partnerships are inclusive.

*A range of institutional arrangements is possible.

Transparency and equality among partners

  • All research results and knowledge generated by this initiative are placed in the public domain by putting it on the program website and disseminating it through other means.
  • All research results and knowledge arising from this initiative are accessible to soap manufacturers.

Involvement of local soap firms

  • The focus is on washing hands at critical junctures using whatever soap people prefer.
  • All local soap manufacturers are welcome to participate in the program.
  • The consultative process has included the small-scale sector at every stage since the outset in January 2001.
  • The shift in consumption patterns with an overall increase in the market for soaps produced by private manufacturers will have no detrimental impact on the small-scale sector.