PUBLIC NOTICE: CLEAN HANDS ARE WITHIN REACH

With increasing cases of diarrheal illness in our communities seen at the hospital

over the past two weeks, handwashing is more important than ever.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrheal disease is

commonly spread through contaminated food or drinking water and from person to

person through poor hygiene. Handwashing with soap, safe drinking water, and

adequate sanitation are important measures for preventing diarrheal disease.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Handwashing education in communities has been shown to reduce diarrheal illness

by approximately 23—40%.

Soap and water are more effective than water alone because soap helps lift germs

and dirt from your hands so they can be rinsed away. CDC recommends scrubbing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, including the palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails.

WHEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HANDS?

After using the toilet

After cleaning a child who has used the toilet

Before preparing food

Before eating or feeding children

After caring for someone who is sick with diarrhea or vomiting

After handling garbage or waste

After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

Before fixing your betelnut

LET'S STOP THE SPREAD

As we continue to see increasing diarrheal cases at the hospital, each of us has a

role to play in protecting our families and communities.

• Wash your hands with soap

• Drink safe & clean water

• Practice good sanitation by disposing of garbage appropriately.

• Handle food safely- wash fruits and meat thoroughly before cooking.

• Protect your family and community.

• Wash your betelnuts, leaves, before you chew them.

GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY on October 15, let's start making clean

hands a daily habit. This message is brought to you by the WASH Program