KAMPALA – As Uganda joins the global community to commemorate Global Hand Washing Day, water and sanitation advocates are sounding the alarm over the country’s inadequate handwashing facilities.
The call to action comes amid concerns over the spread of infectious diseases such as diarrhoea, respiratory infections, cholera, Ebola, and Mpox. According to UNICEF, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of childhood mortality in Uganda, claiming the lives of 33 children daily.
“Handwashing, especially at key times such as after using the toilet, when preparing food and before eating, are the first line of defence against the spread of diseases,” said Dr. Joyce Mpalanyi Magala, Country Director of WaterAid Uganda.
“However, this can only be achieved by fixing handwashing facilities at key points such as within toilet rooms at restaurants, market centres, taxi parks, schools, and healthcare facilities.”
Dr. Magala emphasized that handwashing with soap is the easiest and most effective way to stop the spread of pathogens, maintain health, and prevent avoidable deaths and healthcare expenses.
WaterAid’s Public Health Advisor, Daniel Lukooya, explained that when hands come into contact with germs and are not washed with soap, these germs can be transmitted from one individual to another through handshakes, handling food, and caring for babies.
“Clean hands are still important, and that’s the theme for this year’s Global Hand Washing Day,” he said.
Recent statistics from the Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2022 Report reveal significant disparities in handwashing facilities and sanitation between urban and rural areas.
In urban areas, 55% of households have a designated handwashing area with soap and water, while 19% have one with water only. In rural areas, the figures stand at 36% and 23%, respectively.
The report also shows that 33% of urban households and 30% of rural households have improved sanitation facilities.
WaterAid Uganda is advocating for improved access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and hygiene education in schools, healthcare centres, and community hubs.
The organisation has observed significant improvements in areas where they have implemented community initiatives, including higher school attendance rates and increased mothers seeking antenatal care.
WaterAid Uganda is now calling upon all educational institutions, healthcare providers, and businesses to prioritise the establishment of handwashing stations at service points.
“This should not be a reactive measure during disease outbreaks, but a proactive approach to sustainability and social responsibility,” said Dr. Magala.
