4Life Solutions’ Post

On Sunday, #WorldHealthDay will carry the message ‘My health, my right’, recognising the millions of people worldwide who lack access to basic resources such as quality healthcare services and safe drinking water🚰 World Health Organization & UNICEF data indicates that 50% of health care facilities in developing countries lack basic water services, while 25% do not provide hand hygiene at points of care. This increases risk to vulnerable patients and health care workers. In response, #REACH and FundiFix, piloted 12 schemes in Health Care Facilities across Kitui, Kenya to assess how a professional service delivery model could deliver safe water and soap reliably. Discover the scalable results in our REACH Story of Change👇 #WaterSecurity | Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment - University of Oxford | University of Oxford | Jacob Katuva | Rob Hope

#WASH initiatives are crucial for #publichealth, #sustainabledevelopment, and #environmentalconservation. _ In South Africa, innovative WASH projects are enhancing access to #cleanwater, improving #sanitation facilities, and promoting #hygiene practices. _ The National Water and Sanitation Master Plan aims to ensure universal access to #safewater by 2030, with over 90% of the population having access to improved #watersources. _ #Sanitation innovations, such as the EcoSan Toilet Initiative and LooWatt project, are #revolutionizing public health by promoting eco-friendly and hygienic sanitation #facilities in informal #settlements and rural areas. _ About 64% of South Africa's #population has access to improved sanitation facilities, reflecting #progress in sanitation #infrastructure #development nationwide. _ Studies show that for every $1 invested in hygiene #promotion, there is a potential return of up to $21 in reduced health costs and increased productivity. South Africa's WASH #initiatives are revolutionizing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene #practices, setting a standard for #sustainabledevelopment and #publichealth.

#ICYMI While the COVID-19 pandemic posed a threat to the world and Africa, it also presented an opportunity to rethink, shift, and reset. In the face of COVID-19, Ethiopia took the initiative to implement improved practices focusing on water, sanitation, and hygiene. We unpack more in this series: Saving Lives and Saving Livelihoods Initiative: Strengthening of Africa’s Health Systems Watch here⬇️ https://brnw.ch/21wH6rv

Prioritizing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) for a Healthier Kenya. As public health professionals, we know that access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is the cornerstone of community health. In Kenya, the importance of WASH cannot be overstated—it’s not just about preventing diseases; it’s about ensuring every Kenyan has the opportunity to thrive. Access to Clean Water: Clean water is a basic human right. Yet, many communities in Kenya still struggle to access safe drinking water. By investing in infrastructure and education, we can change this narrative and reduce waterborne diseases. Proper Sanitation: Proper sanitation facilities are essential for maintaining health and dignity. We need to continue advocating for and implementing solutions that ensure every household has access to clean and safe sanitation facilities. Hygiene Practices: Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Encouraging and educating our communities on good hygiene practices is key to safeguarding public health. Let’s continue working together—government, NGOs, private sector, and communities—to ensure that every Kenyan has access to clean water, safe sanitation, and good hygiene. The health of our nation depends on it. #WASH #PublicHealth #Kenya #SDGs #CleanWater #Sanitation #Hygiene #HealthForAll #CommunityHealth

To celebrate #WorldToiletDay2024 and #GlobalHandwashingDay2024, in collaboration with Gisagara District and WASAC Group, Water for People launched today the Muyaga-Ramba Water Supply System that spans 56.41 kilometers and delivers #safe and #clean water to approximately 15,500 residents across 18 villages in the Muyaga and Ramba cells. Beneficiaries include critical public institutions such as #schools and #health posts, ensuring improved access to water and enhanced public health outcomes. This network also includes the construction of 24 improved toilets at E.P. Shyembe, G.S. Kabeza, and E.P. Mwendo schools. Additionally, each school has a girls' room and rainwater harvesting tanks to ensure a consistent #water supply, even during reduced water availability from the pipeline. The Muyaga-Ramba Water Supply System was built as part of the Gisagara #WASH Program initiated in December 2022 as a partnership between the district and the Government of #Rwanda through the Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure(MININFRA) and Water For People with an estimated total investment of $18.3 million. The Gisagara WASH Program aims to achieve full access to WASH services for all #communities, healthcare facilities, and schools by December 2027. Get the event highlights 👇 Ministry of Health Rwanda Water For People

#Montenegro recently conducted a self-assessment on equitable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) using the Equitable Access Score-card. This tool, applied in 14 countries across the pan-European region, aims to ensure equity in #WASH access. 🚰 📝 The project, under the Protocol on Water and Health by United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and WHO Regional Office for Europe, had its preliminary findings discussed at a workshop in Podgorica in May 2023. Hosted by the Institut za javno zdravlje Crne Gore - Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, UNECE, and supported by the Ministère de la Santé, the workshop gathered key stakeholders to review and improve WASH access. 📊 Challenges such as data gaps and fragmented institutional responsibilities were highlighted. Defining and supporting vulnerable communities is a key recommendation. 🚀 This assessment helps Montenegro align with EU directives, enhancing WASH access for all, especially vulnerable groups. 💡 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dXDbirZU #WASH #WaterEquity #PublicHealth #Montenegro #UNECE #WHO #SustainableDevelopment #EUIntegration Nataliya Nikiforova Armin Bigham Ghazani Diane Guerrier Sonja Köppel Leonid Kalashnyk

As seen on Susdata: The State of Clean Water Access to clean water and sanitation remains a critical challenge across Africa. While some countries are making strides, others are far behind in providing these essential services to their populations. In 2024, countries like Chad and the Central African Republic report just 6% access to basic drinking water, respectively, while Rwanda leads with 69% access to improved sanitation. This gap highlights urgent disparities that need addressing to improve public health and quality of life. For more metrics and country-specific data, visit Susdata and track Africa's progress towards the SDGs!: https://lnkd.in/dXgcwVt3 📊 Chart by Adedotun Taiwo 🔍 Reviewed by Tomi Abe, Adetoro Adetayo 🌐 Source: World Health Organization, UNICEF #CleanWater #WaterAccess #AfricaWater #PublicHealth #SDGs #WaterSecurity #AfricaDevelopment #SanitationMatters #WaterForAll #GlobalHealth #Susdata #Susinsight

As I get ready to leave Nairobi after few productive sessions building capacities of the Health system, I am reminded yet again of the gap between Training and Capacity Building. At the end of the day, we need to be accountable for the following; 1. How can the state and various agencies leverage 'Built Capacities' to deliver Health services and respond to emergencies with speed at scale? 2. How empowered and valued do community health workers (and other practitioners on the frontline) feel and how does that translate to meaningful outcomes for communities and people in need? 3. Do beneficiaries see a change in access to decent care? 3. How are agencies working independently and collectively to build on all the investments made over the years to elevate outcomes? Or do we find ourselves doing the same thing over and over again and expect better results!

💡 Can market-based solutions be pro-poor? According to USAID Senior WASH Advisor Jesse Shapiro, “There are no pro-poor approaches that do not include market-based solutions.” Heard today at #UNCWaterandHealth Conference. Explore USAID's latest resources on building healthy business environments for #sanitation markets. 🔗https://lnkd.in/eKidDHHs

#LaceysHouse | #LaceysHouseAfrica | #Ghana | #GhanaToTheWorld | #GhanaNews | #Africa | #News | #COVID19 However, the sanitation situation in Ghana is very poor, with only 25% having access to basic services, about 57% using shared or public facilities and 18-20% still defecating in open defecation. Poor sanitation conditions pose serious public health risks. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eU_5zXwi