In many health facilities across Ghana, a safe birth, a sterile surgery or even a clean pair of hands may not be guaranteed—not because of a lack of expertise, but because of lack of adequate water, sanitation, and electricity.
Despite progress in improving access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, too many healthcare facilities across Ghana still lack the basics needed for safe and quality care. A recent Harmonised Health Facility Assessment indicates, 81% of health facilities have basic water and 56% have basic hygiene. Rural areas are far worse, with facilities lacking reliable electricity and clean water, undermining health care delivery, infection prevention, and patient safety.
Without safe water, functional sanitation, reliable power, and proper waste management, healthcare becomes compromised. Patients, providers, and families are all at increased risk of infection and hospitals cannot meet basic safety or quality standards.
