In 2015, the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing conducted four literature reviews that explored the findings of a total of 44 studies that relate to handwashing with soap and are relevant to low- and middle-income countries. The findings from these research summaries were compiled into an annual summary, The State of Handwashing in 2015.

Objective
The primary goal of reviewing the latest research in handwashing is to help implementers better understand the latest evidence around handwashing. Ultimately, we hope that they can then apply that evidence to their project or program.

Content
The annual summary outlines what we learned about handwashing in 2015 in five thematic areas: 1) benefits of handwashing with soap, 2) measuring handwashing behavior, 3) approaches to handwashing behavior change, 4) handwashing station sustainability, and 5) handwashing in emergency settings. It outlines the overarching findings, implications for implementers, challenges identified by researchers, and includes additional resources where relevant.

Outcomes
There are several key lessons to take away from this summary, including:
•Handwashing behavior continues to vary widely, so accurately measuring actual handwashing behavior must be addressed when designing programs and initiatives
•Integrating knowledge, emotional motivators, habit and handwashing “hardware” is important for effective, sustained handwashing behavior change
•Evidence exists that basic handwashing infrastructure is proving to be sustainable
•Hygiene is vitally important in emergency settings, and it is clear that handwashing promotion can be improved in this context

Intended Audience
This research summary is designed to help handwashing program implementers better understand the latest evidence and, as a result, develop more effective handwashing programs, be better equipped to advocate for handwashing, and have greater knowledge about handwashing measurement.

You can read the State of Handwashing in 2015 here . Previous research summaries are also available on our website.