Strengthening healthcare with WASH services in Tanzania

Songwe, Tanzania— Until recently, the Nansama health center in the Songwe Region of Tanzania faced significant challenges due to inadequate access to safe water, proper sanitation, and hygiene services. The absence of clean and safe water, proper toilets, and functional handwashing facilities posed a risk of disease infection among patients, staff, and their families. This situation discouraged expectant mothers from giving birth at the health facility. They preferred to deliver at home instead. 

"I was reluctant to give birth here at the health centre with all these water, sanitation, and hygiene problems. I didn't want to risk my health or that of my baby. But delivering at home without a skilled attendant was equally risky"  - Sabrina Kibona, a mother from the neighbouring Sasama village. 

A 2014 survey by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that only 44 per cent of healthcare facilities had functioning toilets, while over 30 per cent lacked running water for handwashing facilities. Further, a 2016 study by the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) highlighted poor infection prevention and control practices, with handwashing occurring in less than 7 per cent of the sampled health facilities.

These deficiencies in WASH services pose serious risks by increasing the likelihood of healthcare-acquired infections that threaten the lives of newborns and mothers. In response to these challenges, UNICEF, with generous support from the Republic of Korea, improved WASH services in 10 healthcare facilities in two districts of Songwe and Mbeya regions. The project installed water supply systems, sanitation facilities, rehabilitated delivery rooms with improved water access, and provided handwashing stations and waste management solutions tailored to community healthcare needs.

"Since the WASH services were improved at the health facility, we have seen many changes," said Hidaya Mwalupaso, a maternity nurse. "We now have enough water, new toilets, waste disposal facilities, and a clean environment, including the community. As a result, the number of women coming to deliver here has significantly increased. These improvements have not only enhanced healthcare for patients but also restored the community's confidence."

So far, these enhancements in the ten health facilities have benefited over 77,000 community members, including more than 29,000 children, and have improved working conditions for the healthcare staff.

"In the past, when women delivered here, they had to take dirty clothes home to wash because there was no water. But now, as you can see, everything is much more convenient with clean water, a dedicated station for washing, and proper toilets."  Added Sabrina.

Thanks to the support from the Republic of Korea, UNICEF, in collaboration with local partners, has moved beyond infrastructure upgrades and introduced innovative and cost-effective solutions such as the WASH Facility Improvement Tool (WASH FIT). This approach actively engages local communities and has led to the formation of a national team comprising 42 dedicated individuals. Moreover, training sessions have empowered 162 staff across 75 districts in 12 regions to improve WASH services effectively.

These collaborative efforts have a profound impact that safe water and adequate sanitation can have on a community's health and dignity. UNICEF, in coordination with the Government of Tanzania and partners, will continue to strengthen the quality of primary healthcare systems through improved WASH services, ensuring every mother and child receives the care they need.