Hygiene

 
Timing Births
Safe Motherhood
Child Development and Early Learning
Breastfeeding
Nutrition and Growth
Immunization
Diarrhoea
Coughs, Colds and More Illnesses
Hygiene
Malaria
HIV/AIDS
Injury Prevention
Disasters and Emergencies
Summary

Why it is important to share and act on information about  HYGIENE

More than half of all illnesses and deaths among young children are caused by germs that get into their mouths through food or water or dirty hands. Many of these germs come from human and animal faeces.

Many illnesses, especially diarrhoea, can be prevented by good hygiene practices: putting all faeces in a toilet or latrine; washing hands with soap and water or ash and water after defecating or handling children's faeces, and before feeding children or touching food; and ensuring that animal faeces are kept away from the house, paths, wells and children's play areas.

Everyone in the community needs to work together to build and use toilets and latrines, protect water sources, and safely dispose of waste water and garbage. It is important for governments to support communities by providing information on low-cost latrines and toilet facilities that all families can afford. In urban areas, government support is needed for low-cost sanitation and drainage systems, improved drinking water supply, and garbage collection.

Key Messages:

What every family and community has a right to know about HYGIENE

1. All faeces should be disposed of safely. Using a toilet or latrine is the best way.

2. All family members, including children, need to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or ash and water after contact with faeces, before touching food, and before feeding hildren.

3. Washing the face with soap and water every day helps to prevent eye infections. In some parts of the world, eye infections can lead to trachoma, which can cause blindness.

4. Only use water that is from a safe source or is purified. Water containers need to be kept covered to keep the water clean.

5. Raw or leftover food can be dangerous. Raw food should be washed or cooked. Cooked food should be eaten without delay or thoroughly reheated.

6. Food, utensils and food preparation surfaces should be kept clean. Food should be stored in covered containers.

7. Safe disposal of all household refuse helps prevent illness.



Supporting information for key messages: 1   2   3   4   5  6  7

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