Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations

The document is published by the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides guidelines for the local production of hand sanitizers that meet WHO recommendations. The document is divided into two main sections:

Part A offers a practical guide for the actual preparation of the handrub formulations. It details the materials required for two distinct formulations, one based on ethanol and the other on isopropyl alcohol. The section provides step-by-step instructions for the preparation process, ensuring the correct concentrations of ingredients are achieved.

Part B delves into essential background technical information. It emphasizes the importance of alcohol-based handrubs in healthcare settings, citing their effectiveness in inactivating a wide range of harmful microorganisms. The document also highlights the advantages of these handrubs, such as their fast-acting nature, broad-spectrum microbicidal activity, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, it provides insights into the choice of components for the handrubs, ensuring that they are both cost-effective and microbiologically efficacious.

The guide also touches upon quality control measures, emphasizing the importance of verifying alcohol concentrations and ensuring the absence of microbial contamination. It also provides insights from various global settings on the production, quality control, and challenges faced during the local production of these handrubs.