How to manage children’s excreta in emergencies?
#HowTos
This is a question that I've been asked in the field so I wanted to share it with everyone on KnowledgePoint
1 Answer
When setting up a WASH response programme it is important to
consider the safe management of children’s faeces. Child faeces are generally more dangerous than
adults’ faeces as excreta related infections are usually higher in children, with a higher
prevalence of diarrhoea and soil transmitted helminth infections.
In the initial WASH
assessment phase, interviews with parents or caregivers will help to determine the correct action
with regard to the management of children’s faeces.
Main factors to consider are:
Infrastructure – The sanitation hard wear should consider use
by children, in some cases specific child-friendly latrines can be built for example: a more
open structure, smaller squat hole and a bar for the children to old onto. Non Food Items’s –
After consultation with parents, age appropriate containment products can be distributed such as
nappies and potties. If disposable nappies are being distributed a safe collection and
management system should be in place to prevent the nappies causing increased public health
risk. Hygiene Promotion: training and awareness raising measures are crucial to ensure whatever
measure are in place work to contain the child’s faeces safely This includes conveying hygiene
messages to caregivers and children on the importance of washing hands with soap after contact
with child excreta, washing the child after defecation by the caregiver.
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