Hygiene Advocacy

kids washing their hands

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of hygiene in public health and its importance in preventing common infections and future pandemics.

Our Making Hygiene Matter report focuses on keeping hygiene practices at the forefront, showing how they protect health and contribute to the global economy.

UP TO 1 MILLION DEATHS PER YEAR GLOBALLY COULD BE PREVENTED THROUGH EFFECTIVE HANDWASHING1

hand cleaning the surface icon

Promotion of hand hygiene and surface disinfection in the home and community is essential for both health and the economy. It lowers healthcare costs and reduces absenteeism from work and school, providing significant economic benefits for individuals and communities.

EVERY $1 INVESTED IN HYGIENE PROMOTION YIELDS A RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF $22

hand with soap and a dollar sign next to it

In our hygiene advocacy work, GHC experts:

  • Publish influential research and reports
  • Speak at key events
  • Host meetings to drive change
  • Engage with media for wider outreach
  • Participate in social media to spread our message

References:

  1. Curtis V, et al. Effect of washing hands with soap on diarrhoea risk in the community: A systematic review. Lancet Infect Dis. 2003;3(5):275–281.
  2. COVID-19 Hygiene Hub. What is known about returns on investment in hygiene? 2020.Available at: https://resources.hygienehub.info/en/articles/4785903-what-is-known-about-returns-on-investment-in-hygiene (Accessed: February 2024).

Discover more of our initiatives and the other areas we're making an impact in.

a group of germs
a girl showing her hands with a soap

Contact Us

The GHC enters partnerships with governments, academic institutions, leading health experts, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), non-profit organisations and healthcare organisations to help drive tangible and meaningful hygiene policy and behaviour change at both a local and global level.

Let’s discuss how we can work together; we would love to hear from you: