October 15, 2019, is Global Handwashing Day (GH Day), an annual advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap. This year’s theme is “Clean Hands for All,” which gives much needed attention to the marginalized groups that lack access to handwashing facilities or face discrimination in the provision of handwashing and other water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

USAID’s water and sanitation assistance has resulted in millions of people gaining access to improved drinking water and sanitation services. Reliable access to safe water and sanitation saves lives, reduces extreme poverty, and makes communities more resilient. Investments in water and sanitation are critical for progress in nearly all aspects of global development.

This fact sheet provides data to describe the water crisis and to illustrate the success of USAID's efforts in helping communities around the world to access improved water and sanitation services.

A 2015 report from UNICEF and WHO found that limited data exists on the status of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in healthcare facilities (HCF).  Few assessments have been conducted and even fewer collect data beyond the basic coverage of WASH within a HCF. In order to determine the extent of the problem and develop an action plan to address gaps, more comprehensive assessments are needed.

In a crisis, humanitarians are often responsible for providing or repairing handwashing infrastructure for the affected population. This creates an opportunity for us to build infrastructure and provide products which encourage people to practice handwashing with soap.

Wash'Em developed this guide to assist humanitarian actors in designing handwashing facilities that can actually change behavior.