Zambia Launches National Hand Hygiene Roadmap to Promote Universal Handwashing

Today, the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) partnered with the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, alongside other stakeholders, to commemorate Global Handwashing Day under the theme “Be a Handwashing Hero.” This annual event aims to raise awareness about the vital role of handwashing with soap in preventing the spread of diseases.

In line with efforts to strengthen hand hygiene and foster lasting behavioural change, the Ministry also launched the National Hand Hygiene for All (HH4A) Roadmap during the commemorations, providing a strategic framework to prioritise hand hygiene across all settings.

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Eng. Collins Nzovu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Eng. Romas Kamanga said through the Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan, the Government of Zambia is committed to achieving universal access to safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Eng. Nzovu highlighted the poor handwashing practices among citizens that needed an urgent turnaround.

“Despite progress, with 72% of Zambians now having access to safe water and 54% to improved sanitation, handwashing practices remain low at 18%, underscoring the need for strengthened partnerships to make handwashing a daily habit nationwide,” He noted.

To provide further insight into the National Hand Hygiene for All (HH4A) Roadmap , Jenala Chipungu, Head of the Social and Behavioural Research Unit at CIDRZ, presented its key components.

She explained that the national document builds upon existing processes to strengthen Zambia’s hygiene systems and ensure that hygiene issues are comprehensively addressed through policy, practice, and community engagement.

Ms Chipungu emphasised that the HH4A Roadmap offers a strategic framework for prioritising hand hygiene in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and public spaces.

“The roadmap focuses on strengthening leadership and accountability to ensure political commitment, policy integration, and enforcement of hygiene standards. It also calls for creating an enabling environment to secure sustainable financing, enhance institutional coordination, and build capacity for effective hygiene interventions,” she said.

She added that the roadmap underscores the importance of improving inclusive and accessible infrastructure and supply systems to guarantee durable, functional, and equitable hygiene facilities for all.

Ms Chipungu explained that the document emphasises the need to promote behaviour change and stimulate demand for regular handwashing at critical moments through evidence-based, innovative interventions and community-driven initiatives. The HH4A Roadmap is hinged on five guiding principles, including sustainability, integration, evidence-based, inclusivity, and behaviour change.

Developed through a highly collaborative and consultative process, the document involved a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions and cooperating partners. Their collective expertise and commitment ensured that the roadmap is both locally relevant and practically actionable, reflecting Zambia’s realities while providing effective solutions to advance universal hand hygiene.