Mum’s Magic Hands: A field guide for rapid implementation of handwashing promotion in emergencies

Overview

Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old, and is particularly prevalent in emergency situations. Handwashing can reduce the risk of diarrhoeal disease by up to 48%. Oxfam, Unilever’s Lifebuoy soap, and Unilever’s Chief Sustainability Office conducted research with emergency-affected mothers in the Philippines, Pakistan and Nepal in 2014/2015 to better understand what motivates mothers in handwashing and to increase the practice.

This set of resources ‘ ‘Mum’s Magic Hands‘ ‘ were developed from the research for handwashing promotion in first phase emergencies. Tested in Nepal, Jordan, Uganda, Nigeria and Tanzania, the Field Guide contains background information and tools for assessment, implementation and monitoring. Also available is a manual for training trainers and volunteers, and presentations and visuals for running the MMH programme.