Refugees are at high risk for communicable diseases due to overcrowding and poor water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions. Handwashing with soap removes pathogens from hands and reduces disease risk. A hepatitis E outbreak in the refugee camps of Maban County, South Sudan in 2012 prompted increased hygiene promotion and improved provision of soap, handwashing stations, and latrines. We conducted a study 1 year after the outbreak to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the refugees in Maban County.
This brief is intended to highlight key elements of an effective response to an outbreak of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in refugee setting. It focuses on specific response actions, including the review of common risks associated with health, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The overall implementation of response actions and mode of operation should be context specific, as highlighted by the examples given from Dadaab (Ifo) Kenya and South Sudan.
Tags: Bulk Water Treatment, Excreta Management, Handwashing with Soap, Handwashing with Soap, Household Water Treatment, Hygiene Promotion, Hygiene Promotion, Public Health, Water Quality Testing and Surveillance, and Water Safety Plans. Locations: Africa, Africa, Dadaab, East and Horn of Africa, Kenya, Sudan and Chad Special Operational Region, and Sudan and Chad Special Operational Region. Languages: English and English. Organisations: UNHCR. Categories: WASH Emergency Guidelines, WASH Guidelines, WASH Operational Guidelines, WASH Policy Guidelines, WASH Reference Documents, and WASH Reference Documents.
