A simple habit that saves lives

Washing hands with soap and water is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to prevent illness. It helps stop diarrhoea, pneumonia, worms, eye infections and many other diseases from spreading in the family. Water alone is not enough: soap removes the germs that stick to the skin.

The five key moments

  1. After using the latrine.
  2. After cleaning a child who has used the toilet or soiled their clothes.
  3. Before preparing or cooking food.
  4. Before eating.
  5. Before feeding a child, including before breastfeeding.

Also wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, after touching animals or rubbish, and before and after caring for someone who is sick.

How to wash your hands well

  1. Wet your hands with clean running water, for example poured from a jug or an aftaba.
  2. Rub soap over both hands to make a lather.
  3. Scrub the palms, the backs of the hands, between the fingers, the thumbs and under the nails for about 20 seconds.
  4. Rinse well with clean water.
  5. Dry with a clean cloth or let your hands dry in the air. Avoid a shared towel that is dirty.

Making it easy at home

Keep soap and water near the latrine and the place where food is prepared. A jug or bottle with a small hole can be hung up to make a simple handwashing station that also saves water. Teach children by washing hands together with them, and remind them before every meal.

When to see a doctor

Handwashing prevents many illnesses, but see a health worker if someone in the family has diarrhoea for more than a few days, blood in the stool, a fever, or signs of an eye or skin infection. Go to the nearest hospital immediately if a child with diarrhoea cannot drink, is very sleepy, or has difficulty breathing.

For any health concern, book a consultation with a doctor in the app or visit a clinic.