Prioritise hand washing stations, WaterAid Uganda urges public

As Uganda celebrates Global Hand washing Day alongside the international community, WaterAid Uganda is urging educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and businesses such as restaurants, taxi parks, and market centers to make hand washing facilities a priority.

This effort is essential in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like diarrhoea, respiratory infections, cholera, Ebola, and Mpox.

According to UNICEF, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of childhood mortality in Uganda, with 33 children losing their lives to the disease each day. In addition, many schoolchildren miss classes due to infectious diseases, while healthcare workers and mothers in hospitals are constantly at risk of acquiring infections in healthcare environments.

Recently, cases of Mpox were reported by the Uganda Virus Research Institute, and the disease has been declared a Public Health Emergency by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.

“Handwashing, especially at critical times like after using the toilet, when preparing food, and before eating, is the first line of defense against the spread of diseases. However, this starts with installing handwashing facilities in key locations such as restrooms in restaurants, market centers, taxi parks, schools, and healthcare facilities,” says Dr. Joyce Mpalanyi Magala, Country Director of WaterAid Uganda.

Dr. Magala emphasizes that handwashing with soap is one of the simplest, most affordable, and effective ways to prevent the spread of pathogens, maintain health, and avoid preventable deaths. It also helps reduce the financial burden of healthcare expenses on families and public health systems.

Mr. Daniel Lukooya, Public Health Advisor at WaterAid Uganda, adds that when hands come into contact with germs—whether after using the toilet or handling contaminated materials—and are not washed with soap, these germs can easily be transmitted through handshakes, food handling, or caring for babies.

This year’s Global Handwashing Day theme, “Clean Hands Still Matter,” highlights the importance of hand hygiene in disease prevention.

The Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2022 Report reveals that only 55% of urban households have a designated handwashing area with soap and water, and 19% have water only.

In rural areas, these figures drop to 36% with soap and water and 23% with water only. Additionally, only 33% of urban households and 30% of rural households have access to improved sanitation facilities.

These statistics demonstrate the significant challenges in sanitation and hygiene, particularly in rural areas. The disparities between urban and rural communities, as well as between men and women, are stark. Women and children, who are often primary caregivers and responsible for domestic tasks, are the most affected when handwashing services are inadequate, especially in healthcare settings.

WaterAid Uganda’s community initiatives have been instrumental in improving access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education in schools, healthcare centers, and community hubs. These efforts have led to increased school attendance and more mothers seeking antenatal care.

In light of this, WaterAid Uganda is calling on all educational institutions, healthcare providers, and businesses to prioritize the installation of handwashing stations at key service points. This should not be seen as a temporary measure during disease outbreaks, but rather as a proactive and sustainable approach that reflects social responsibility.