Five in six Ghana health facilities fall short of basic sanitation standard – WHO/UNICEF
Walk into a health facility and having access to a clean, usable toilet may seem like one of the most basic expectations. For many health facilities in Ghana, however, meeting the full international standard for basic sanitation remains a challenge.
A recent assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reveals that only 16% of Ghana's health facilities met the basic sanitation standard in 2025, meaning that five out of every six health facilities did not meet the requirements. The report, titled "Progress on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management in Health Care Facilities 2015–2025," highlights the importance of meeting this standard, which includes improved and usable sanitation facilities, sex-separated facilities for menstrual hygiene, and accessible toilets for people with limited mobility.
Ghana's sanitation situation is significantly worse than the global average of 40%, with sub-Saharan Africa at 23%. The country lags seven percentage points behind its sub-Saharan African neighbors. While Ghana's water coverage stands at 65%, it trails the global level of 85%. Hygiene services, such as hand hygiene facilities, are also lacking, with only 54% of facilities meeting the basic standard.
Healthcare waste management is another concern, with only 27% of facilities meeting the basic standard. The report emphasizes that safe and dignified healthcare requires essential water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management services.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
