WASHING HANDS: a most neglected life-saving practice
Every year 1.2 million children under the age of 5 die from diarrhea and acute lower respiratory tract infections. Three quarter of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. These communicable diseases are caused by transmission of micro-organism (such as parasites, bacteria and viruses), either by direct contact, or through contaminated food or water. Most infectious diseases are passed on by hands. Many of these deaths can be avoided by curtailing transmission through improved hygiene. Washing hands with water and soap thoroughly for 20 seconds, with as little as half a gram of soap, is highly effective. Yet, hand washing with soap remains one of the most neglected hygiene practices.
Why XOPI?
Availability of soap is crucial in hand hygiene. This is especially challenging in rural areas, although even in isolated areas, cheap solid bars of soap are sold almost everywhere. So what is the problem then? A common problem reported is that in public toilets, schools, markets, health posts and other public places, soap disappears: dropped in drains, eaten by goats or rodents, taken for personal use, resulting in soap not being there when needed. This is why we developed the XOPI.
The XOPI (c) is a soap dispenser that uses locally available bars of solid soap. The dispenser grates soap, much like a cheese grater, and releases fine grated soap flakes for easy use. The soap is safely locked in a plastic (recyclable) container with a key-less lock, which prevents easy removal. The XOPI complies to European standards for user safety and use of materials. It is a very sturdy and durable device. The product safety and durability is tested by the renowned certifying body TüV. See for more details the sub-page: XOPI Technical. For inquiries and orders please refer to the contact page.