Comment on "Global Access to Handwashing: Implications for COVID-19 Control in Low-Income Countries"

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Matthew Freeman, Emory University; Bethany Caruso, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-09-01
• Publisher: Public Health Science
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: No copyright.
• License: Creative Commons Universal : Public Domain Dedication
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP7852
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Environmental Health Perspectives
• Volume: 128
• Issue: 9
• Start Page: 1
• End Page: 2
• Grant/Funding Information: None declared
• Keywords: Toxicology; Water; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Science & Technology; Environmental Sciences & Ecology; Environmental Sciences; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
• Research Categories: Environmental Sciences; Engineering, Environmental; Health Sciences, Toxicology; Biology, Ecology

Abstract

Brauer et al. (2020) estimate that over 2 billion people lack access to household handwashing facilities, amplifying critical questions for COVID-19 prevention measures in low-income counties. Despite these dire figures, the situation may be far worse, given unreliable and costly access to water and soap in households, schools, and health care facilities. The current World Health Organization COVID-19 guidance on hand hygiene (WHO 2020) will be infeasible for many and requires updating to support resource-poor settings.