Budgets are always limited, and there are always competing options for use of resources. We do not know enough about which handwashing interventions comprise the best use of funds.

We do not even know enough about how much hygiene interventions cost, or the role of scale in average cost. This makes it harder for governments and implementers to plan. The aim of this research is to improve the economic evidence base regarding handwashing interventions.

It has three components:

First, it estimates the costs of two programmes implemented by World Vision.

Second, it compares the costs and benefits of those interventions, so we know which strategy a more efficient use of resources.

Third, it is developing a set of questions to measure ‘hygiene-related quality of life’, meaning the things that people find most important about having good hygiene. The project will produce academic articles, but also a suite of guidance and tools for implementers to be able to practically use the methods developed.

This research will support better-informed decisions about which hygiene promotion strategies to choose. It will also help implementers and governments calculate the costs of scaling up handwashing interventions, and measure how much people’s lives have improved as a result of hygiene programmes.