Bunyangabu Health Centers Get Sanitation Boost to Combat Infections

Health workers in Bunyangabu District are welcoming significant improvements to sanitation facilities, which are seen as crucial in the fight against infections. For years, inadequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure has exposed patients, newborns, and staff to preventable diseases, especially in crowded public health centers.

This initiative comes at a time when Uganda faces a substantial funding gap for healthcare sanitation. The Ministry of Health estimates a need of approximately Shs656 billion for adequate WASH systems across all health facilities. A 2024 WaterAid study highlighted the severity of healthcare-associated infections in Uganda, estimating 422,000 cases in 2022, leading to significant excess deaths and substantial economic costs.

Kibiito Health Centre IV, the district’s primary referral facility, has particularly struggled with outdated and insufficient toilets, serving a growing patient population along with traders from a nearby market. The center previously relied on just two toilet facilities, leading to frequent blockages and high maintenance costs. “Our number of patients has greatly increased, and the available toilet facilities have been inadequate,” stated Dr. Robert Abiija, the facility’s in-charge, noting 382 deliveries in a single month.

To address this, IRC Uganda funded and commissioned a new five-stance waterborne toilet facility at Kibiito Health Centre IV, valued at Shs43.7 million. This modern facility includes separate sections for men and women, with the women’s wing featuring three stances and a bathroom for menstrual hygiene management. Health workers like nursing officer Justin Namara expressed optimism, stating, “The new toilets are better designed and easier to maintain. This is going to improve sanitation and the experience of patients visiting the facility.”

Similar improvements have been made at Rwagimba Health Centre III, though challenges with water access persist, especially during dry seasons. “We depend on rainwater harvesting, but during the dry season water becomes scarce because the nearest water source is far away,” noted facility in-charge Josepha Kasule.

IRC Uganda’s Regional WASH Officer, Mary Ayoreka, emphasized that quality healthcare is impossible in environments that risk infection. The new facilities are designed to be inclusive and strategically placed handwashing stations aim to curb the spread of diseases. Bunyangabu District Health Officer Richard Obeti added that these upgrades are expected to enhance the comfort and trust of patients seeking services, while also highlighting the district’s ongoing need for a dedicated hospital and improved water supply to all its health facilities.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)