Skip to main content

Steps in washing hands

Updated Generic C-IYCF Counselling Package, 2024 (UNICEF | 2024)
Steps in washing hands

Key Messages

  • Good hygiene (cleanliness) is important to help prevent diarrhoea and other illnesses.
  • There are many critical times to wash your hands with soap and clean running water:
    • Before preparing food
    • Before feeding your infant or young children
    • After using the toilet or latrine
    • After cleaning the baby’s bottom.
  • It is also important to wash your hands:
    • Before eating food
    • After working in the garden
    • After handling livestock or other animals
    • After touching ‘faeces' or any kind or other 'bodily fluid’, including after blowing nose, coughing, sneezing, before and after treating wounds, and after caring for someone who is sick.
  • Build a handwashing station (like a tippy tap) near your toilet or latrine, or have a bucket with a ladle or cup to rinse your hands with running water. Do not stick your hands into the bucket to wet or rinse them.
  • Protect soap from spilling or being eaten by animals.
  • Teach children and all household members the steps for washing hands and remind everyone about the importance of hand washing.
     

 

Included Images