Access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene practices are fundamental human rights and essential components of public health. In Tanzania, as in many parts of the world, the absence of these services in healthcare facilities leads to a cascade of preventable infections, prolonged hospital stays, and an increased burden on our already stretched health systems.
Members of the Tanzania Parliamentarians Alliance for AMR attended the brunch roundtable on WASH in Health Care Facilities Advocacy organized by WaterAid. Over the past 41 years, WaterAid has been a trusted partner of the Government of Tanzania in fulfilling the vision of ensuring everyone, everywhere, has access to sustainable clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services. In collaboration with the government, has directly reached over 8 million people with clean water services, provided more than 800,000 people with improved sanitation facilities, and reached 26 million people with hygiene promotion activities across 11 regions of Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The Tanzania Parliamentarians Alliance for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) working in forefront in promoting and advancing the significant contributions to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) agenda through advocating for policies that integrate WASH practices and strategies to reduce the spread of infections and the subsequent misuse of antimicrobials agent
According to WHO report of 2022 “Half of the world's healthcare facilities lack basic hand hygiene services, and this figure rises to two-thirds in the 46 least developed countries, including ours. In 2021 alone, 3.85 billion people globally used healthcare facilities without basic hand hygiene services and 780 million used facilities without sanitation services. These deficiencies not only endanger patient safety but also compromise the safety of our dedicated healthcare workers.
The fight against AMR is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Inadequate WASH services contribute to the spread of drug-resistant infections by creating environments where pathogens can thrive. When infections proliferate, the use of antibiotics increases, often inappropriately, fueling the cycle of resistance. To break this cycle, we must prioritize WASH services. Effective hand hygiene, clean water, and proper sanitation can prevent infections from occurring in the first place, reducing the need for antibiotics and mitigating the development of resistance. This is not just a healthcare issue; it is a matter of national and global security.
Despite the clear benefits, Tanzania faces significant challenges in providing adequate WASH services in healthcare facilities. These challenges include: Many healthcare facilities lack the basic infrastructure for clean water and sanitation; Limited financial and human resources impede the implementation and maintenance of WASH services; While there are policies in place, there are gaps in their effective implementation and enforcement; and inadequate awareness and education about the importance of WASH among healthcare providers and the public.
"To address these challenges, we must act collectively and decisively to prioritize and invest in WASH services in healthcare facilities. The integration of WASH services in our healthcare facilities is not just an option; it is an imperative. It is a foundation upon which we can build a healthier, more resilient Tanzania. By prioritizing WASH, we will safeguard maternal health, enhance public health, and combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance" - Dr. Hon. Hamisi Kigwangalla (MP) -Alliance Chairperson
