Global Shortage of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Health Facilities

New research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that in 2025 ? 907 million people received care in facilities without water, 936 million were treated where sanitation was absent, and 652 million lacked basic hygiene services. While overall coverage has improved since 2015, progress is uneven and many low-income nations still fall far short of essential standards.

The Independent

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where an Ebola outbreak is intensifying, almost one-third of health facilities have no water service and about 70 % operate with only limited supplies. Rural clinics in the DRC also see more than 40 % without toilets. Uganda reports almost universal lack of adequate toilets, Madagascar 70 % of facilities lack water, and Nigeria nearly 50 % are without basic water services.

The Independent

The absence of clean water and sanitation heightens infection risk, especially during Ebola and in maternity care. WaterAid’s analysis links the conditions to an estimated 36 deaths from sepsis each day across sub-Saharan Africa. Women who develop sepsis are reported to be 144 times more likely to die than patients in Britain, Europe or North America. Clean water is therefore critical for safe childbirth, infection treatment and surgery.

The Independent

Helen Hamilton, head of health and hygiene at WaterAid, stresses that “no one should have to give birth, receive treatment for an infection or undergo surgery in a healthcare facility without access to clean water.” WaterAid’s “Time to Deliver” campaign urges the UK government to fund water, sanitation and hygiene improvements in health facilities ahead of the UN Water Conference in December. The call coincides with preparations for World Water Week in Stockholm, where researchers and policymakers will discuss the findings.

The Independent

• “No one should have to give birth, receive treatment for an infection or undergo surgery in a healthcare facility without access to clean water,” — Helen Hamilton, head of health and hygiene at WaterAid

The Independent