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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2023)
Water, Sanitation and hygiene services (Wash) in healthcare facilities in a Nigerian coastal settlement of Oron: A preliminary survey
Authors
John O Esin
Abstract
In spite of the overwhelming importance of
WASH in healthcare delivery services, there is observed gap on the availability
of adequate data set on the water, sanitation and hygiene practices in
healthcare facilities in developing countries like the coastal settlement of
Oron in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare
facilities are prerequisites for providing good and quality health care
services. The deficiency of these services in healthcare delivery facilities
has attendants’ consequences on the health status of vulnerable populations.
Aside the prevention of infectious disease, the existence of WASH services in
healthcare facilities also helps in protecting health personnel, patients and
preserves the dignity of exposed populations. Through the use of pilot study
and reconnaissance survey of all the eight public health facilities in the
coastal settlement, the water, sanitation and hygiene services in the
healthcare facilities and their level of compliance with WHO standards were
assessed while a laboratory analysis of the microbial properties of the water
samples in the health facilities were carried out. The study revealed that
80percent of the medical wastes in the health facilities were disposed of
through open-incineration while majority (95percent) of the health facilities do
not have access to safe drinking water and improved toilet facilities. It
was concluded that the WASH services provided in the coastal settlement do not
comply with the global standards set by the WHO and, could be said to be incompatible
to the health needs of vulnerable populations. The presence of opportunistic
bacteria such as Escherichia Coli (E.coli) and total coliform count in most of
the water samples further confirms the water sources in the health facilities
as grossly unhygienic. The study recommends a large cale study covering the
entire State to be carried out as this could give a better picture of WASH
situation and the extent of government commitment in meeting the health needs
of the state.
Pages:13-21
How to cite this article:
John O Esin "Water, Sanitation and hygiene services (Wash) in healthcare facilities in a Nigerian coastal settlement of Oron: A preliminary survey". International Journal of Advanced Educational Research, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2023, Pages 13-21
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