WHO harps on access to safe water, sanitation

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has enjoined governments across the region to invest more in the expansion of access to safe water and sanitation for their people.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, made the call Thursday in her statement to mark this year’s World Hand Hygiene Day, with the theme ‘Unite for Safety – Clean Your Hands’.

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She said the WHO/UNICEF global estimates showed that one in every four health facilities worldwide lacked the most basic access to water supplies; while one in every three did not have hand hygiene facilities at point of care. 

She said the situation was worse in Africa where half of all healthcare facilities lacked basic water access.

She said more financial resources were required in most African countries to achieve universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services by 2030.