Health 3 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bunyangabu Health Centers Get Sanitation Boost Amidst Rising Patient Numbers
Health facilities in Bunyangabu District are receiving upgrades to their water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to combat rising infection rates and inadequate facilities. The improvements are seen as crucial for strengthening healthcare delivery in the face of increasing patient volumes. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/improved-sanitation-facilities-boost-infection-control-efforts-in-bunyangabu-health-centres-5483474
Health workers in Bunyangabu District are celebrating the commissioning of new sanitation facilities at local health centers, a move widely welcomed as vital for controlling infections and enhancing patient care. For years, facilities like Kibiito Health Centre IV have struggled with inadequate latrines and limited handwashing stations, leading to a heightened risk of preventable infections for patients, newborns, and staff.
The increased patient load, particularly at Kibiito Health Centre IV, the district’s main referral facility, had placed immense pressure on the existing, outdated sanitation infrastructure. The center, which handles a significant number of deliveries and outpatient visits monthly, was forced to share its limited toilet facilities with traders from a nearby market, accelerating wear and tear and increasing maintenance costs.
To address these critical issues, IRC Uganda has funded and commissioned a new state-of-the-art, waterborne toilet facility at Kibiito Health Centre IV. The Shs43.7 million project features separate sections for men and women, with the female wing including a bathroom and menstrual hygiene facilities. Similar upgrades have also been implemented at Rwagimba Health Centre III, alleviating long-standing sanitation challenges.
Officials have emphasized that improved WASH infrastructure is directly linked to the quality of healthcare provided. “Quality healthcare cannot be achieved in an environment that exposes patients and health workers to infections,” stated Mary Ayoreka, IRC Uganda’s Regional WASH Officer. The district health officer, Dr. Richard Obeti, echoed these sentiments, noting that enhanced sanitation contributes to patient comfort and confidence in seeking services.
While the new facilities are a significant step forward, challenges remain, particularly concerning a reliable water supply during dry seasons. The district is also advocating for Kibiito Health Centre IV to be elevated to hospital status to better manage the continually growing patient numbers.