Which of the following is the third listed measure for preventing diarrheal diseases in detainee camps?

• A. Provision of safe water in sufficient quantity
• B. Building of latrines
• C. Distribution of soap
• D. Appropriate site planning to avoid overcrowding

Answer: (C)

Hand hygiene is a pivotal step in preventing diarrheal disease in detainee camps. The third measure in the common sequence is distributing soap for handwashing. Soap makes handwashing far more effective by removing pathogens from hands, especially after defecation and before meals, which directly interrupts fecal-oral transmission. While safe water and proper latrines address contamination sources and exposure, and sound site planning helps reduce overcrowding, nothing reduces transmission from hands as reliably and affordably as handwashing with soap. That's why soap distribution sits as the third listed measure.