Technical Guidance → Hygiene Promotion

Hygiene Promotion

Disruption of familiar practices or relocation to new environments can result in deterioration in existing hygiene behaviours, contributing to an increased risk of disease transmission and epidemics.

The F-diagram of disease control and transmission

Harmful substances in faeces can be spread through fingers, flies and fields/floors via food and fluids.

Breaking the chain of infection transmission at home and in the community, can make an important contribution to increased well-being and health.

A Coordinated Water Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) Response

Hygiene promotion is vital to a successful WASH response. It involves ensuring that people make the best use of the water, sanitation and hygiene-enabling facilities and services provided AND ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of these facilities. Three key factors to address are:

1. mutual sharing of available information and knowledge;
2. mobilisation of affected communities;
3. provision of essential materials and facilities. 

‘There is little point in providing toilets if they are not used, or providing clean water at the source if this is then contaminated in the household.’ (The Sphere Project Handbook 2011) 

Collaboration and coordination with WASH stakeholders is essential.

Key practices to target:

• the safe disposal of faeces including baby/child faeces
• hand washing after defecation and before food preparation
• appropriate use, cleaning and maintenance of sanitation facilities
• proper storage and safe use of water
• control of flies, mosquitoes and other disease vectors
• identification, selection and distribution of appropriate hygiene items e.g. sanitary items