MESSAGE LIBRARY:

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash)

THE RISK

Why emergencies pose new risks

You are more at risk of catching dangerous diseases in [insert info here] emergency. This is because people are forced to live in difficult, overcrowded conditions with poor sanitation. In these conditions, it is important to follow safe hygiene practices to avoid the spread of disease.

What is the risk?

Even if it looks clean, water can contain harmful things which cause disease. Where possible, treat water before using it for drinking or cooking.

What is good hygiene?

Wash hands with soap and running water thoroughly before eating, preparing food and feeding infants and after defecation.  If there is no soap available, use ash and water. Dispose of all faeces, including children/infant faeces carefully (bury or cover) as they carry many harmful things. Wash hands with soap and water afterwards.

WATER

How water distribution, group water and surface water has been affected in the emergency

Take care! The [insert info here] emergency may have made the water unsafe to drink. Please contact [insert info] for more information.

Location of safe water

Use clean safe water for drinking, cooking and washing your hands. Clean, safe water is available at [insert info].

Instructions on how to make water safe to use

To treat water, do the following: First remove the solids by filtering the water through a cloth. Or let dirty water settle before pouring it into a new container leaving the dirt behind. Then either (use as appropriate): 
- Boil the water until large bubbles appear. Let the boiled water cool, then store it in a safe place with a lid on. Don't keep the water for a long time before drinking it.
- Place water in a clean, transparent plastic or glass bottle and lay out in the sun for 6 hours. It is now safe to drink. Don't keep the water for a long time before drinking it.
- If you have access to PUR: Put [insert info here] sachet of PUR for [insert info here] liters of running water. Rest for thirty minutes. It is now safe to drink.

How to store water

Water must be kept clean for your health. Carry and store it in a clean container. Make sure the containers stay covered and clean. Use a clean ladle or cup when taking water out.

Care of family water kit

Always keep containers, buckets and cups as clean as possible. Store them in a clean place, off the ground and away from animals.

Distribution of water purifying solution

[insert info here] is distributing water treatment (purifying) solution/tablets at [insert info]. Use the solution/tabs to prepare safe treated water for drinking and cooking, as advised by [insert info]. Use treated water to wash your hands and clean with.

What is XXX (Aquasafe, PuR, Waterguard)?

[insert info here] (e.g. Aquasafe) is a tablet/tab that treats water and makes it safe to drink when used properly.

How to use Aquasafe with tap water

To ensure water out of the tap is safe, add [insert info here] tablets of Aquasafe to [insert info] litres of clear tap water. Wait for 30 minutes. The water is now safe to drink.

How to use PuR with water from river, well or dam

With water collected from a river, well or dam, add [insert info here] tablets of [insert info] PuR to [insert info] litres of clear water. Wait for 30 minutes. The water is now safe to drink.

How to use WaterGuard

Fill a clean jerry can with water. Using the cap of the WaterGuard liquid bottle pour it into the jerry can. For clear water, use [insert info] capful of WaterGuard. For dirty water use [insert info] caps full. Close the lid of the jerry can.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Why is faeces a risk?

Human faeces contain harmful things. Don't let human faeces get into water or onto food, hands, utensils or surfaces used for preparing and serving food. Bury human faeces to prevent flies accessing it and then being carriers of harmful things.

Why latrines are important

Use latrines to get rid of faeces safely. This prevents the spread of dangerous diseases. After use, cover faeces with earth, ash or sand. If you do not have access to a latrine, defecate well away from houses, water sources and places where children play. Always try to bury your faeces immediately.

Why toilets are important

Use toilets to get rid of faeces safely. This prevents the spread of dangerous diseases. These are flush toilets. Flush the toilet with water after use. Keep the toilet clean. If you do not have access to a toilet, defecate well away from houses, water sources and places where children play. Always try to bury your faeces immediately or cover with earth, sand or ash.

Care of latrines and toilets

Latrines need to be cleaned frequently. Cover the latrine after use.

How to dispose of faeces

Don't defecate in the open air or near water sources. That will help to avoid diseases such as diarrhoea.

SERVICES

Distribution and content of a hygiene kit

[insert info here] is distributing hygiene kits at [insert info here]. The hygiene kit includes [insert info] and is enough for [insert info] people.

Construction of toilets/latrines

[insert info here] is building toilets/latrines. This is to help prevent the spread of disease and allow you more privacy and comfort.

REFERENCES

For more information on this topic, we recommend you read the following references.

World Health Organization (2022). Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
https://www.who.int/health-topics/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash

World Health Organization (2022). Sanitation: Factsheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sanitation

World Health Organization (2022). Drinking-water: Factsheet
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water

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