Clean water for better hygiene in two clinics

Background

In Tanzania, many health facilities struggle with inadequate access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. National reports indicate that a significant proportion of health facilities either have no reliable water source or rely on an unsafe and inconsistent supply. This situation not only affects the daily operation of healthcare services, but also poses a serious health risk to patients and medical staff.

In addition to quantitative water scarcity, there are also problems with water quality. Contaminated water at extraction points poses a significant health risk. A lack of handwashing infrastructure and inadequate sanitation facilities further exacerbate hygiene deficiencies. These circumstances make it difficult for healthcare workers to adhere to proper hygiene practices and increase the risk of infection and the spread of infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea within 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. Healthcare workers operate in unsafe conditions, which can compromise their effectiveness and job satisfaction. In addition, inadequate WASH facilities erode public confidence in health services, potentially deterring people from seeking medical care when needed.

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

Project location

The project is being implemented in Ifakara in Kilombero District, Morogoro Region, in southwestern Tanzania, 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. Health care workers will also benefit from safer working conditions and access to clean water, which will improve their ability to provide high-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, thereby curbing the spread of infectious diseases.

Project activities

To achieve these objectives, the following project activities, among others, will be carried out:

• Installation of two new water points in a rural health facility;
• Renovation of disused or defective water points in two health facilities;
• Installation of two water storage tanks with a capacity of 5,000 liters;
• Installation of handwashing facilities in two health facilities;
• Training of staff at all facilities on their tasks and responsibilities in maintaining the WASH infrastructure;
• Provision of 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 of Tanzania. The measures are tailored to local ecological, technical, and social conditions. A local team is combined with international experts.