Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" and Splash: Promoting Sustainable Health Programs for COVID-19 Prevention in India and Ethiopia

In urban and rural institutional settings, such as schools, healthcare facilities, community centres, and disaster relief areas, proper hand-washing facilities are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of diseases. However, the lack of affordable and durable hand washing stations often poses a significant challenge. Recognizing this urgent need and intending to generate innovative solutions that promote hygiene behaviour change, we collaborated with SPLASH to contribute to building hand washing stations as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable health programs worldwide and securing a brighter future for children.

The Splash project has set ambitious goals to provide cost-effective, sustainable, and transportable handwashing stations, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this, the project focuses on several key areas, including conducting a thorough market assessment, implementing a comprehensive product development process, ensuring high-quality manufacturing, and establishing efficient operational planning. By addressing these aspects, Splash aims to create handwashing stations that are not only accessible but also easy to install and maintain in various institutional settings.

Since its inception in 2020, Splash has been making remarkable progress in revolutionising the availability of handwashing stations. Operating in two countries, Kolkata, India, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the project holds the potential to impact millions of children and community members, promoting a healthier and more hygienic environment.

In the year 2022, Splash achieved significant milestones, showcasing its commitment to innovation and impact. One of the key accomplishments was the completion of the second round of prototyping in June. Through rigorous testing and feedback, the project team honed the design of the handwashing stations, ensuring their effectiveness and practicality in real-world scenarios.

The final design of the handwashing stations incorporates essential features that significantly impact hygiene behaviour and accessibility. One notable feature is the tap-less water access points powered by foot pedals. This innovative approach eliminates the need for surface touching, reducing the risk of contamination and enhancing overall hygiene standards. Additionally, manual water fill functionality ensures a continuous water supply, even in areas without piping infrastructure. Furthermore, the portable nature of the stations allows for adaptability in different contexts, enabling their deployment wherever they are needed the most.

As SPLASH continues its journey, the project envisions a future where handwashing stations are readily available and easily maintained, promoting hygiene behavior change in institutional settings. By focusing on affordability, durability, and transportability, SPLASH aims to empower communities and contribute to improved health outcomes. With ongoing efforts, the project aspires to expand its reach and positively impact the lives of individuals across the globe, one handwashing station at a time.