Event summary: Sustaining WASH Behaviors and Practices in Healthcare Settings

by Amref Health Africa

At the 41st WEDC conference, the Global Handwashing Partnership, Aquatabs, Amref Health Africa, Tufts University, and World Vision convened a discussion on sustaining behaviors and practices for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in health facilities to improve patient safety and quality of care.

Key points from the session included:

  • Poor WASH in health facilities leads to increased risk of healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial resistance, and other serious public health concerns
  • Chlorine has many good uses in healthcare settings, and its use should be based on evidence
  • Handwashing is a critical IPC practice in health facilities, and behavior change strategies can be used to improve currently low rates of hand hygiene compliance
  • A comprehensive approach focused on WASH and IPC services and practices, including capacity building, can lead to short- and long-term improvements in health facilities.
  • Leadership, collaboration, and accountability are crucial elements of the enabling environment for WASH in health facilities.

Read the new summary for a recap of the presentations and discussions at the session, including copies of all presentations.

This article was first published by Global Handwashing Partnership HERE.

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