Water for healthcare facilities

Background

In Tanzania, many healthcare facilities struggle with inadequate access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services (WASH). National reports indicate that a significant proportion of healthcare facilities either lack a reliable water source or rely on an unsafe and inconsistent supply. This situation not only affects the daily operation of health care, but also poses a serious health risk to patients and medical staff.

In addition to the quantitative water scarcity, there are also problems with water quality. Contaminated water at the taps poses a significant health risk. A lack of infrastructure for hand washing and inadequate sanitation further exacerbate hygiene deficiencies. These conditions make it difficult for health workers to maintain proper hygiene practices and increase the risk of infection and the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and diarrhea within the facilities.

The negative effects of these conditions are far-reaching. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns and immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk of infection. Health workers are operating in unsafe conditions, which can affect their effectiveness and job satisfaction. Furthermore, inadequate WASH facilities erode public confidence in health services, potentially discouraging people from seeking medical attention when needed.

By addressing these deficiencies, the project aims to improve the quality of health services, enhance patient safety and contribute to overall public health objectives in Kilombero district.

Project location

The project is implemented in Kilombero district, Morogoro region, in south-west Tanzania, and is carried out in close collaboration with the local authorities of Kilombero district.

Project beneficiaries

The project will directly benefit all individuals treated at the selected health facilities in the project area. On average, 100 to 200 patients are treated per day at the selected health facilities. Healthcare workers will also benefit from safer working conditions and access to clean water, which will improve their ability to provide quality care.

Project objective

To improve reliable access to safe and sufficient water sources for health centers and the population in the project area, in order to improve patient care, hygiene practices, and sustainable water management, and thus to contain the spread of infectious diseases.

Project activities

To achieve these goals, the following project activities, among others, are being carried out:

• Installation of new water points in a rural health facility;
• Rehabilitation of disused or defective water points in four health facilities;
• Installation of five water storage tanks with a capacity of 5,000 liters;
• Installation of hand washing facilities in five health facilities;
• Training of staff in all facilities in their roles and responsibilities in maintaining WASH infrastructure;
• providing locally manufactured water filters (ceramic water filters) to ensure the supply of safe drinking water.

Local partner organization

MSABI is a registered NGO specializing in the implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs in rural areas in Tanzania. The measures are tailored to the local ecological, technical and social conditions. A local team is combined with international experts.