Millions of children die every year of diarrheal diseases and acute respiratory infections, which remain leading causes of preventable death, especially among the young in developing countries. Hands are a common vector for disease transmission, and the number of deaths could be cut dramatically if a simple method of cleaning hands, such as regular washing with soap, were widely promoted and practiced. In addition to the obvious health benefits, associated economic benefits, such as reducing the amount of school and work days missed, would accrue as well.

This year's Yunus Challenge calls for innovative sanitation solutions to encourage clean hands among those living in poverty. Solutions should be designed for implementation in communities living at or below the poverty level.