Sanitation

Find ways to stay clean with minimal water usage:

• Sponge bath: Use a damp sponge or cloth to clean your body instead of a full shower.
• Hand sanitizer: Use a waterless hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands, especially before preparing food and after excreting waste.
• Wet Wipes: Use baby wipes or other wet wipes for cleaning your face and body.

Avoid Sharing Items: 

• Disease Transmission: Sharing personal items like towels, razors, or toothbrushes can increase the risk of transmitting diseases, especially skin infections and bacteria. 

 See waste management for a list of options on how to collect and dispose of human waste.

• Designate a latrine: Establish a designated area to manage waste in order to avoid the spread of disease.
• Avoid potential contamination: Open pit latrines can contaminate water sources, especially if located near rivers or streams.
• Burial: If other options are unavailable, bury fecal matter in a deep pit away from water sources. 

• Sanitize before preparing:  Always sanitize hands before preparing foods, especially when sharing with others.
• Proper Storage: Store food in clean containers and keep it away from pests.
• Safe Preparation: Cook food thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination.
• Cleaning Dishes: Use a clean, refillable spray bottle of water to preserve water when washing dishes.

1. Sterilization and disinfection:

• Sterilize Instruments: Use heat, chemicals, or other methods to sterilize medical instruments before and after use.
• Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect all surfaces where medical care is provided.

2. Personal protective equipment (PPE):

• Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from contact with bodily fluids, and be mindful when removing them to avoid exposure. DO NOT treat multiple people with the same pair of gloves  unless they have been thoroughly sanitized. Get heavy-duty rubber      dishwashing gloves and disinfect with bleach between uses, or have several pairs of nitrile gloves on hand.
• Masks: Use masks to prevent the inhalation of airborne pathogens.
• Eyewear: Use protective eyewear to shield your eyes from splashes.

3. Wound Care:

• Clean Wounds Thoroughly: Clean wounds with clean water and soap to remove dirt and debris.
• Use Sterile Dressings: Apply sterile dressings to cover wounds and prevent infection. Clean garments such as socks or shirts, or pillowcases can also be used.
• Avoid Touching Wounds Directly: Use sterile gloves or forceps when handling wounds.

4. Waste disposal:

• Proper Disposal: Dispose of medical waste, such as used dressings and needles, in sealed containers.
• Avoid Contact: Avoid direct contact with medical waste to prevent contamination.

5. Hand Hygiene:

• Frequent Washing: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after providing medical care.
• Use Hand Sanitizer: Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.

• Vector Control: Implement measures to control mosquitoes, flies, and other disease-carrying insects.
• Sanitation of public spaces: If you’re living with others, frequently clean and disinfect any communal spaces, especially the bathroom, kitchen and where you eat.