HAYA Safe
Prevention and safety guidance. Hygiene, disease prevention, staying healthy, and protecting yourself and your family.
Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease. These simple practices can protect you and your family.
Hand Washing
Wash your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Wash before eating, after using the toilet, after touching animals, and after caring for a sick person. If soap is not available, use ash or sand and rinse with clean water.
Safe Drinking Water
Always drink clean water. If you are not sure the water is safe, boil it for at least one minute before drinking. Store clean water in a covered container. Do not put your hands or dirty cups into the water container.
Food Safety
Cook food thoroughly, especially meat and eggs. Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating. Do not eat food that has been left out in the heat for a long time. Keep raw meat separate from other foods.
Personal Hygiene
Bathe regularly. Keep your nails short and clean. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Wear clean clothes and wash them regularly. Keep your living area clean and free of waste.
Sanitation
Use a latrine or toilet. Do not defecate in the open, near water sources, or near where food is prepared. Keep latrines clean and covered. Dispose of waste properly.
Disease Prevention
Many common diseases in South Sudan can be prevented with simple measures.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is the leading cause of illness in South Sudan, accounting for 64% of all reported illnesses. Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net every night. Remove standing water near your home where mosquitoes breed. Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening. If you develop a fever, seek treatment immediately.
Cholera Prevention
Cholera spreads through contaminated water and food. Always drink safe water. Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. Cook food thoroughly. If there is a cholera outbreak in your area, be extra careful with water and food safety.
Diarrheal Disease Prevention
Diarrhea is a leading cause of death in children under five. Ensure safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and good hand hygiene. Breastfeed infants exclusively for the first six months. If a child has diarrhea, give oral rehydration solution (ORS) and continue feeding.
Respiratory Infections
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Ensure good ventilation in your home.
Vaccination
Vaccines protect against many serious diseases. Make sure children receive all recommended vaccinations. Ask your nearest health facility about available vaccines for your family.
Staying Healthy
A healthy lifestyle helps your body fight disease and recover from illness.
Nutrition
Eat a variety of foods including vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins. If available, include beans, lentils, eggs, fish, or meat in your diet. Breastfeed infants exclusively for the first six months. Children need nutritious food to grow strong and healthy.
Hydration
Drink enough clean water every day. Adults should aim for about 2 liters (8 cups) of water per day, more in hot weather or during physical work. Avoid drinking too much tea, coffee, or sugary drinks.
Physical Activity
Stay active. Walking, farming, carrying water, and other daily activities all count as exercise. Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days. Physical activity helps your heart, muscles, and mind.
Rest and Sleep
Get enough sleep. Adults need about 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. Children need more. Good sleep helps your body heal and your mind stay sharp.
Mental Health
Take care of your mind as well as your body. Talk to someone you trust if you are feeling sad, worried, or overwhelmed. Spend time with family and friends. Rest when you need to. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
Protection Guidance
Protect yourself and your family from common health risks.
Protect Against Mosquitoes
Use mosquito nets, especially for children and pregnant women. Remove standing water around your home. Use insect repellent if available. Wear protective clothing in the evening.
Safe Water Storage
Store clean water in covered containers. Do not dip hands or dirty cups into the water. Use a clean cup or ladle to take water from the container.
Wound Care
Clean any cut or wound with clean water and soap. Cover wounds with a clean bandage. Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. Seek medical help if a wound becomes infected.
Pregnancy Protection
Pregnant women should attend antenatal care visits. Sleep under a mosquito net. Take prescribed supplements. Know the danger signs of pregnancy: heavy bleeding, severe headache, high fever, swelling of hands and face, and reduced movement of the baby.
Child Protection
Keep children's vaccinations up to date. Ensure children wash their hands before eating. Supervise young children around water, fire, and sharp objects. Seek medical help quickly if a child becomes sick.
Prevention is the best medicine. These guidelines are based on established public health practices. If you have specific health concerns or questions, please consult a qualified health professional. HAYA provides this information to help you stay healthy, not to replace medical advice.