Using an innovative data collection approach, WASHTED and partners are uncovering household soap preferences in Chiradzulu and Blantyre districts. While soap is essential for preventing diseases, many Malawian households still face barriers related to availability, preference, and prioritisation, and not all soaps are equally motivating to use for handwashing.
In Phase 2 of this study, now underway, our team is working with adult women and men, adolescent girls and boys, and caregivers of people with disabilities to test, compare, and rank different types of soap. Including these diverse groups is crucial as each brings unique perspectives, from women who manage household hygiene to men who influence purchasing decisions, adolescents who shape emerging habits, and caregivers who highlight important accessibility needs.
By uncovering which soap qualities matter most to different users, the study is generating evidence that will strengthen future handwashing interventions across Malawi and beyond.
