WEDC 2014: Aspirational handwashing device commercialisation in Vietnam

Authors: Revell, Geoff; Huynh Nhu Ai

Abstract: In many developing countries, handwashing with soap offers huge potential for improved public health due to its unique effectiveness as a barrier against a variety of important diseases such as diarrheal disease, respiratory infections, trachoma, and others. Based loosely on the lessons from the sanitation marketing approach, the HappyTap commercialization project leverages the private sector to manufacture, distribute, and activate household demand for an aspirational handwashing device. This briefing paper shares early lessons and experiences from a pioneering program to develop and market a handwashing device for rural households in Vietnam. Initial experience is promising and suggests potential for mass scale uptake of aspirational devices.

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Ms. Ai Huynh presents HappyTap at WEDC 2014, Hanoi, Vietnam

Presented at the 37th WEDC International Conference, Loughborough University
15-19 September 2014 – Hanoi, Vietnam

WEDC is one of the world’s leading education and research institutes for developing knowledge and capacity in water and sanitation for low- and middle-income countries. The WEDC International Conference is a highly respected, global platform for practitioners, decision makers, academics and researchers who lead water and sanitation innovation in developing countries.