Improved water, sanitation, hygiene and waste services in health-care facilities, Ukraine
Loading...
Date
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
This article describes the implementation of the Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool (WASH FIT) in health-care facilities in Ukraine to strengthen water, sanitation, hygiene and health-care waste management services during a period of prolonged conflict and infrastructure strain. Recognizing the importance of these services for infection prevention and control, quality of care and emergency preparedness, the initiative was implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Public Health Centre, regional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. Nine pilot facilities conducted baseline assessments, developed improvement plans and received targeted training, mentoring and equipment to address identified gaps.
Follow-up assessments conducted six months after implementation showed substantial improvements across participating facilities, particularly in health-care waste management and hand hygiene practices. Facilities strengthened water safety management, improved waste segregation and treatment, replaced damaged infrastructure and established backup water supplies. The experience demonstrated that WASH FIT can serve as a practical framework for identifying deficiencies, monitoring progress and supporting incremental improvements in water, sanitation, hygiene and waste services. The article highlights the importance of leadership engagement, capacity-building, supportive national standards and institutional strengthening to sustain and scale improvements across the health sector.
66
70
66
70