External Research Update: The Supertowel – A Vital Innovation for Hygiene in Water-Scarce Regions
We are pleased to share a recently published research article from our external partners, including Action Against Hunger (ACF), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and Tufts University. The study, featured in the journal PLOS Water, evaluates a year-long intervention in Northeast Nigeria using the Supertowel technology.
The Supertowel: A Vital Innovation for Hygiene in Water-Scarce Regions
What is the Supertowel? The Supertowel is a reusable microfiber towel treated with a permanent antimicrobial layer known as quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC). Specifically designed for humanitarian settings where soap and water are scarce, it allows users to clean their hands by simply dipping the towel in a small amount of water and rubbing their hands with it. This process removes and kills bacteria through a combination of mechanical action and chemical disinfection.
A "Soap-Saver" for Vulnerable Households In conflict-affected regions of Northeast Nigeria, soap is often treated as a valuable asset and sold or traded for food. Research shows that the Supertowel acts as a "soap-saver" by reducing the depletion of these consumable hygiene products.
The Impact: Households equipped with the Supertowel maintained significantly higher soap stocks, holding an average of 3.2 bars compared to just 0.43 bars in control households.
Rapid Community Adoption : The technology was quickly embraced by the community, particularly because it saves time and water.
Usage Trends: The percentage of households with a damp Supertowel—a proxy for recent use—increased from 28% in the first month to 59% by month six. Most users appreciated how soft and clean their hands felt after use.
Proven Impact on Child Health A critical finding of the study was the direct link between active towel use and reduced disease transmission.
The Results: Households that were observed to be actively using the Supertowel saw a 62% reduction in the odds of diarrhea among children under the age of five.
Effectiveness and Durability (12-Month Results) The study monitored the towel’s performance over a full year to determine how real-world wear affects its properties.
- Technical Performance: While the towel’s ability to disinfect its own surface (chemical action) declined over 12 months, its ability to clean hands remained robust. Even after a year of field use, the Supertowel achieved a 3.03 log reduction (99.9%) of E. coli from hands.
- Important Limitation: It is important to note that the Supertowel is significantly less effective against viruses (such as SARS-CoV-2 or norovirus) than it is against bacteria.
User Feedback for Future Design Focus group participants provided valuable insights for improving the product's design:
- Size and Color: Users requested larger towels and preferred darker colors (like black or green), noting that the original blue fabric acted as a "dirt magnet" that visibly trapped dust.
- Storage: To prevent the towel from being lost or falling on the ground, users recommended adding clips or an "in-built bag" for easier transport.
Conclusion: A Vital Tool for Emergencies The Supertowel is a viable, acceptable, and effective short-term tool for hand hygiene in humanitarian settings. It is particularly recommended for the first 6–12 months of an emergency response or during cholera outbreaks when traditional soap and water facilities are not yet fully established.
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