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Global Handwashing Partnership

Global (200+ countries), Global

The Global Handwashing Partnership (GHP) coordinates Global Handwashing Day (October 15) and year-round advocacy to promote handwashing with soap worldwide. Since 2008, the campaign has mobilized over 200 million participants annually through school events, community activities, and media campaigns. The partnership develops evidence-based resources on behavior change drivers, including emotional motivators and social norms.

Behavior Goal

Universal adoption of handwashing with soap at critical times: after using the toilet, after cleaning a child, and before handling food

Implementers & Partners

  • Global Handwashing Partnership
  • UNICEF
  • World Bank
  • Unilever
  • Procter & Gamble
  • CDC
  • National Governments

Donors & Sponsors

  • USAID
  • UNICEF
  • Private Sector Partners

Key Takeaways

  • 1Annual global event creates momentum and media attention for handwashing
  • 2Emotional drivers (disgust, nurturing) often more effective than health messaging
  • 3Peer influence and social norms significantly encourage handwashing
  • 4Multi-sector partnerships (public, private, NGO) amplify reach

Sources

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