UNICEF's Transformative WASH Initiative Brings Life-Changing Improvements to Health Care Centers
UNICEF and Al Abdulla Family of United Arab Emirates are presenting innovative approaches to WASH.
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Just a short drive from Tajikistan's bustling capital lies the city of Vakhdat. Here, six primary health care centers in the villages of Solehon, Sarichashma, Novobod, Kipchok, Dusti, and Mehrbakhsh have been facing a tough challenge over the years: inadequate water, poor sanitation, and lack of basic hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and the shortages of electricity. This issue has impacted the healthcare workers as well as local residents, making access to clean and safe water and sanitation a constant struggle and compromising the quality of care.
But recently, a wave of positive change has swept through these communities. Thanks to a rehabilitation project by UNICEF, funded by the generous Al Abdulla Family of the United Arab Emirates, these healthcare centers have been transformed incredibly. The initiative has provided essential climate-adaptive and energy-efficient WASH facilities, ensuring that both health workers and patients have access to clean water, safe sanitation, and stable electricity when there are power outages. This improvement is a significant step toward better access to health facilities and a higher quality of life for everyone in these remote villages.
"Changes have brought fresh air into our village and people are very happy to see these improvements, especially for our children."
Connecting to nearby water sources and constructing water reservoirs
In the village of Solehon, the Solehon health care center previously relied on a single, often unreliable, water source. Recognizing the critical need for a dependable water supply, UNICEF spearheaded efforts to connect the facility to a nearby water borehole. This connection ensured a constant flow of clean water, crucial for medical procedures and patient care. The facility also has a handwashing station installed which is connected to a filtration system that provides clean water.
In Sarichashma village, the health center faced a different challenge—no sustainable water source within easy reach and adequate WASH facilities. UNICEF addressed this by constructing a robust reservoir and a towering water tank, equipped with a powerful pump to improve water storage. Additional outdoor toilets were built for the patients with a constant access to water and improved WASH facilities. These outside toilets also have handrails, wider doors, and access ramps for people with disabilities. This infrastructure guarantees that the center can access water even during dry spells, ensuring uninterrupted service via the rainwater harvesting system.
"I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible transformation of our local health care center. Before the rehabilitation, visiting the center was often a last resort due to its inadequate conditions. Now, everything is new and has everything that is needed for patients.” says Maysara Kobirova, a local resident who brought her six-month-old granddaughter for a checkup at the health care center.
I have been working in this healthcare center for almost fourteen years now. During this time, small rehabilitation works were done here. But now, we have everything that safeguards us and our patients. In particular, we have the new filtration system which provides us with clean drinkable water.
Constructing outdoor toilets and provision of hygiene Items and PPE
Sanitation facilities mentioned above at these health centers have also seen a remarkable upgrade. Along with them, UNICEF constructed three-point flush outdoor toilets, separated for men, women, and staff at the health care facilities in the villages of Dusti and Mehrbakhsh. These toilets, equipped with disability-friendly fixtures and adequate lighting, also include a menstrual hygiene management space for girls. Where there was no access to a sewerage system, septic tanks and soakage pits were constructed, ensuring proper waste management.
To combat the spread of infections and protect the healthcare workers and patients, UNICEF supplied each health center with essential hygiene items, personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintenance supplies. This provision has been instrumental in infection prevention and control, safeguarding the health of both medical staff and patients. This protective equipment included soap for handwashing, sanitizers, disinfectants, protection masks, and different clothes for wiping down the surfaces. Building on its existing programs, UNICEF installed new handwashing stations at these facilities. These stations have become a vital part of the daily routine, promoting hand hygiene among staff and patients, and significantly reducing the incidence of communicable diseases. The health care centers all have the necessary messages on a proper hand hygiene.
"The outdoor toilets that are build are very new and beautiful. It’s great to see such toilets in our village because before this, we only had one outdoor toilet for everyone. Now these toilets are separated and they always have running water.” Subhon Manzurdodzoda, a local resident who grew up in this village and witnessed the transformation of health care center in his village of Dusti.
Before, our healthcare center faced many difficulties. The center had not received any repairs and was in bad condition. There was no running water in the healthcare center. We have frequent power cuts in the village, which also affects the healthcare center, forcing it to function without any light. Now, seeing this change, I can say that my community has a new, modern healthcare center with new bathrooms and running water, and it can function during electricity cuts thanks to the new solar panels.
Installing washbasins with innovate solution
UNICEF's commitment to adhering to national standards led to the creative approaches to storing the water. The six health centers that were rehabilitated were presented with a new climate-resilient solution. All the centers now have a rainwater harvesting system in place, which is a technique of collecting, filtering, and subsequently storing rainwater into water tanks for its further usage. The newly installed washbasins receive fresh filtered water from the 500-liter water tanks. Before these important interventions, the health care center in Novobod village did not have the washbasins which were connected to a filtration system. These installations have not only improved hygiene but also enhanced the overall workflow. Healthcare workers now have immediate access to clean water, significantly reducing the risk of infections. Overall, the health care center now feels like a place of healing and care, rather than just a last resort.
"The staff are more confident and motivated, and as patients, we feel more respected and valued. This initiative has significantly improved our community’s health and well-being." said Kurbanova Guldasta, the chief doctor of Novobod health care center.
Impact on Health Workers and the Community
The improved facilities have not only uplifted the spirits of health workers but have also instilled a renewed sense of trust in the community. UNICEF's rehabilitation of WASH infrastructure in these six primary healthcare facilities stands as a beacon of hope and progress. By addressing the fundamental needs of water, sanitation, and hygiene, UNICEF has not only improved the working conditions for health professionals but also significantly enhanced the health and well-being of the entire community. This initiative exemplifies how targeted interventions can lead to sustainable, life-changing improvements, fostering healthier and more resilient communities.
"Before, we hesitated to visit the health center because of the poor conditions. Now, it feels safe and welcoming. I am very thankful for this incredible change." says Shahlo Khurshedova, a resident of Kipchok village.
The Al Abdulla Family-funded project improved access of communities including women, men, and children to safe drinking water, improved hygiene and sanitation facilities, and the availability of hygiene items to facilitate the adoption of healthy hygiene and sanitation practices. The WASH facilities were fully improved in 6 PHC centers in villages of Solehon, Sarichashma, Navobod, Kipchok, Dusti, and Mehrbakhsh of Vakhdat city in line with agreed WASH standards targeted at improving access to WASH services for approximately 18,050 people, including 7,200 children, 10,800 adults and 50 health care staff.