WHO Technical Note for Emergencies 10: Hygiene promotion in emergencies

Communities affected by a disaster often lack basic water and sanitation facilities. They are also likely to be traumatized and vulnerable to disease. The disturbance to familiar and safe practices or the relocation to new environments can result in hygiene behaviour becoming unsafe. All these factors can contribute to the high risk of disease and epidemics.
 
This techical notes explains why hygiene promotion is important in emergencies and describes how to carry it out.

Contents:

Preventing the spread of disease

Minimum standards

How to wash hands thoroughly

Principles of hygiene promotion

Planning hygiene promotion

Facilitators

Promotion tools and communication methods

Other practical actions