Water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities: Status in low- and middle-income countries and way forward

2015
This WHO report provides a global review of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in health care facilities in 54 low- and middle-income countries. The report finds a lack of appropriate WASH services and highlights the need for urgent action at local, national, and global levels.

This WHO report provides a global review of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in health care facilities in 54 low- and middle-income countries. Appropriate WASH services are essential for providing basic health services, including care to mothers and babies.  As outlined in the report, acceptable WASH services can improve maternal and newborn health by reducing infections and encouraging women to seek care in health facilities.  However, findings from this assessment indicate that many health facilities in low resource settings lack appropriate WASH services.The key findings from this review include:

  • 38% of health facilities lack a source of drinking-water
  • 35% of health facilities do not have water and soap for handwashing
  • 19% of health facilities lack adequate sanitation, including suitable toilets or pit latrines
  • There are large inequalities in WASH services between and within countries
  • Primary health facilities have significantly lower WASH services than hospitals

The report notes that simple developments, such as providing cleaner toilets or installing handwashing stations, can have large positive effects.  As described, improving WASH services in health facilities can improve quality of care, increase use of facilities, and encourage communities to improve their WASH practices at home.The report describes that national policies are important for mobilising resources and improving WASH services.  This report highlights the innovative approach in Sierra Leone, where scorecards  are used to monitor WASH services in health facilities and make immediate decisions for prioritising improvements.Data indicates an association between implementation of a national WASH policy and improved coverage of WASH services in health facilities.  This document recommends urgent action at local, national, and global levels to ensure adequate WASH services in health facilities.To read the document for free, please click here.World Health Organizaion & UNICEF. (2015). Water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities: Status in low- and middle-income countries and way forward. Geneva: WHO & UNICEF.

World Health Organization & UNICEF. (2015). Water, sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities: status in low- and middle-income countries and way forward. Geneva: WHO & UNICEF.

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