Manila Water Foundation, partners launch Hand Hygiene Alliance Philippines

Manila Water Foundation further strengthens its commitment to bringing water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) to all communities and workplaces in the country as it joins the Hand Hygiene Alliance Philippines (HAP!) as one of its founding members.

Manila Water Foundation joins Hand Hygiene Alliance Philippines (HAP!), a business sector-led group, in presenting an early gift to Filipinos by pledging its commitment to support sustainable hand hygiene programs in schools, community and workplace settings during its launch entitled “Clean Hands for Christmas” last December 16.

A panel conversation highlighted the importance of hand hygiene in schools and communities. The launch is a timely reminder to all as the holidays are marked with eating together, traveling, parties and get-togethers amid an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The alliance was organized as a response to the global Hand Hygiene for All initiative, a call for collective action to enable a culture of hand hygiene and provide access to facilities, products, and info-educational materials, especially in disadvantaged areas and vulnerable communities.

With Manila Water Foundation, HAP! founding members include innovations and solutions company Ecolab, E&V Water and Life Philippines, the private sector-led Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Rotary Club of Marikina North.

Over the years, Manila Water Foundation has provided schools and communities 550 multi-faucet hand hygiene facilities across the country, developed comprehensive hygiene education modules, and led partnerships with global and Philippine companies that provide quality hygiene products.

HAP! aims to enable a culture of hand hygiene and provide access to facilities, products, and info-educational materials, especially in disadvantaged areas and vulnerable communities.

Proper handwashing has been proven to reduce diarrhea and respiratory infections, which can be life-threatening, especially for children under 5 years of age.

In the Philippines, diarrhea and pneumonia rank high among the leading causes of death for children 1 to 4 years old.

Handwashing with soap is also linked to reduced rates of school absenteeism and contributes to improved well-being, dignity, educational fulfillment, and productivity.

Given the health and economic benefits of proper handwashing, the alliance aims to work together with the national government especially in the health and education sector to support ongoing hand hygiene programs.

The alliance is also developing a Hand Hygiene Roadmap until 2030 to strategically contribute to the country’s hand hygiene initiatives.

The founding members will invite more businesses from various industries such as food, hospitality, healthcare, and business process outsourcing sectors to raise their hands and step into the Hand Hygiene Alliance Philippines or HAP!

READ: WHO-Unicef report: Nearly half of Filipinos get safe drinking water