Water, sanitation and hygiene issues in healthcare facilities on a global scale with examples from different countries

Abstract

Adequate, safe and sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services is an important worldwide public health issue. Healthcare facilities are also the units most affected by the lack of water, sanitation and hygiene services. Global projections highlight that one-third of healthcare facilities lack what is necessary to ensure hand hygiene where patient care is provided. One out of every four institutions does not have water service and 10% do not have sanitation service. In other words, 1.8 billion people lack basic water services and 800 million people has to use sanitary facilities without toilets. Healthcare workers also need adequate and safe water to provide appropriate services. As drinking water and for meals, hand hygiene, washing