Hygienic practices and consumption of nutritious food is paramount to good health for all people. However, it is important for all human beings to have good health. Those individuals who are health are likely to live longer. At PACHI, we share with you some important things about good health, hygiene and nutrition.

What are the linkages between good health, hygiene and nutrition?

• Poor hygiene during handling of nutritious food may result in contamination, poor food utilization by the body and poor health. Cholera, diarrhoea may be spread through contaminated food stuffs.
• A healthy person is likely to respond well to nutritious foods, i.e. a healthy person has good appetite and is able to digest food easily.
• A well-nourished person responds better to medication.
• Satisfactory nutritional status improves immunity thereby making a person less susceptible to diseases e.g. a well-nourished HIV infected person is likely to live longer with HIV.

Key messages

• Wash hands with soap at all critical times—before preparing food, before eating, before feeding young children, and after visiting the toilet.
• Poor hygiene in production, handling, processing and utilization of nutritious foods can result in poor nutrition and health.
• Good nutrition improves immunity against diseases thereby leading to a healthy life.
• A healthy person is likely to respond well to nutritious foods.
• A well-nourished person responds better to health treatment.
• Satisfactory nutritional status improves body’s immunity.
• Latrines and Hand Washing Facilities are key to blocking disease transmission.
• Treat drinking water using the recommended methods to prevent disease and promote good health.