Event summary: Sustaining WASH Behaviors and Practices in Healthcare Settings

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.