Transforming Health Systems: The Vital Role of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

In 2015, WHO and UNICEF launched the first global report on the status of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries. It revealed that healthcare facilities often lack access to water, sanitation and the means to maintain good hygiene, seriously undermining the quality of healthcare. Since then, WaterAid has been working with partners and ministries of health to improve WASH in healthcare facilities in several countries.

This report captures snapshots of where successful change has been seen. It outlines the health systems strengthening approach WaterAid has taken, and how this has supported sustainable improvements in WASH in healthcare facilities.