A safer start in life: handwashing and child health in Kisumu, Kenya

In this briefing paper we outline the situation of handwashing and child health in informal settlements in Kisumu, Kenya and how Practical Action and our partners are planning to address it; and what others need to do. We are calling for: • A clearer understanding of the barriers to better hand hygiene among children under five and their carers • Triggering of community action to address wider environmental sanitation challenges to create a healthy future for all • Greater recognition by all those working on early years health, of the link between diarrhoea, malnutrition and diminished life prospects; and the significance of hygiene and handwashing in breaking this cycle. • Greater funding for hygiene programmes by both national governments and donors, meeting commitments made under SDG 6.