Frontline health facilities faltering without WASH and electricity

Worldwide, millions of lives could be saved and billions in economic losses prevented through one simple, affordable intervention: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in health care facilitie. Safe WASH services enable life-saving infection prevention and control practises, curb the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and help deliver quality primary health care services to all. Yet, actions taken in countries are insufficient, according to a new report released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

WASH, waste, and electricity services are major contributors to high-quality health care. Interventions such as improving the availability of hand hygiene and drinking water stations, regular cleaning, functioning toilets, and regular on-site water supply can greatly help in improving health services, staff performance, and respecting the dignity of health care facility users.

WASH, waste, and electricity services more generally have critical impacts on the health of mothers and babies during childbirth. Lack of services increases the risk of infection, particularly sepsis, which can be deadly for children and mothers. More than one million women and girls indicated that WASH services are their second-most important demand for quality reproductive and maternal health, after dignified and respectful care.

WHO and UNICEF call on countries and partners to implement the following recommendations in order to rapidly improve WASH, waste, and electricity services in health care facilities:

• Addressing financial obstacles;

• Integrating WASH, waste, and electricity services into health planning

• Developing and empowering the health workforce to deliver and maintain WASH, waste, and electricity services, and practising good hygiene,

• Strengthening accountability by regularly monitoring and reviewing progres