Technical Guidelines for Integrated Disease Surveillance ... - PHRplus

Annex 28Sample Messages for Community EducationImprove hand washing:Hand washing with soap may be the most effective way to prevent transmission of some organisms thatcause infectious diseases. For that reason, promote hand washing in every family. Hand washing is particularlyimportant after defecation, after cleaning a child who has defecated, after disposing of a child’s stool, beforepreparing or handling food and before eating.Hand washing is practiced more frequently where water is plentiful and within easy reach. If possible,water for washing should be stored separately from drinking water. During an epidemic, soap should be providedto those without it. If soap is not available, ash or earth can be used to scrub the hands. Do not drywashed hands with dirty cloths. Air-dry wet hands.Messages:ARE YOU PROTECTED FROM DYSENTERY (bloody diarrhoea)?Washing your hands protects yourself and others from disease.Always wash: after defecation after cleaning a child who has defecated after disposing of a child’s stool before and after eating before preparing or handling food.ARE YOU READY FOR HAND WASHING?Do you have: Clean water Soap (or if you do not have soap, use ash or earth to scrub your hands) Clean cloth for drying.Safe handling of foodEncourage the following food safety practices:Do not eat raw food, except undamaged fruits and vegetables that are peeled and eaten immediately.Cook food until it is hot throughout.Eat food while it is still hot, or reheat it thoroughly before eating.Wash and thoroughly dry all cooking and serving utensils after use.Keep cooked food and clean utensils separate from uncooked foods and potentially contaminatedutensils.Wash hands thoroughly with soap before preparing food.Protect food from flies by means of fly screens.Annex 28: Sample Messages for Community Education201