The Importance of Handwashing and Opportunities for Improvement in Nepal

Abstract

Globally, 28.0% of deaths occurred due to infectious diseases in 2021, while 99.0% occurred in developing countries, including Nepal. Approximately 10.0% of these were associated with poor handwashing. The absence of a fixed place for handwashing is a barrier to the availability of soap and water at the household level. Without such facilities, the incidence of handwashing with soap remains low. This paper aims to report health promotion evidence on the importance of handwashing and opportunities for improvement in Nepal. A literature review was conducted using scientific papers, plans, policies, guidance, directives, strategies, procedures, and standards related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and online messages to collect information. A narrative thematic analysis was performed descriptively. Available WASH policies were critically examined, and policy gaps in handwashing were identified. Policymakers are required to prioritize the promotion of handwashing. It is therefore suggested to formulate a handwashing strategy using an ecological model that aligns with health promotion approaches, such as effective health communication and improving health literacy on handwashing; ensuring handwashing service delivery using available resources; and adopting social norms and structural policies.