Major Gaps in Healthcare Sanitation
Only around 40% of health facilities worldwide meet basic sanitation standards, highlighting persistent gaps in essential water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, according to the latest WHO-UNICEF monitoring report.
The report, covering data up to 2025, found significant disparities between countries and regions. In many low-income and vulnerable settings, healthcare facilities continue to lack adequate toilets, water supply and hygiene infrastructure.
Sanitation Challenges Threaten Patient Safety
Inadequate sanitation can increase the risk of infections and undermine infection prevention and control measures. Healthcare facilities also face challenges with environmental cleaning and the safe management of medical waste.
As reported by The Hindu, the findings highlight the need for governments to strengthen WASH infrastructure as an essential component of safe and quality healthcare.
Need for Greater Investment
WHO and UNICEF emphasised that access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services is critical for universal health coverage, patient safety and infection prevention. The latest report calls for stronger national planning, financing and monitoring to close these gaps and ensure safe and dignified healthcare environments.