Uganda Faces Dire Health Crisis: 90% Lack Proper Handwashing Skills

A recent report by Uganda’s Ministry of Health, titled “The Cost of Inaction on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene,” highlights a critical public health issue: approximately 90% of Ugandans do not wash their hands correctly. This alarming statistic means only one in ten people are adhering to World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations for handwashing with soap and clean water, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food.

Dr. Herbert Nabaasa, Commissioner for Environmental Health, presented the findings, emphasizing that while awareness of handwashing’s importance exists, proper practice is widely lacking. This deficiency is a significant factor in the country’s high rates of preventable diseases, which the report estimates account for 75% of the health burden.

The report also underscores the severe economic consequences of poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Uganda stands to lose up to $27 billion over the next decade if current trends continue. Over 90% of households struggle with consistent access to safe water, a problem exacerbated by rapid urbanization overwhelming existing sanitation infrastructure.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, expressed concern over public attitudes towards hygiene, noting that efforts like the National Cleaning Day have seen limited success, with some residents improperly disposing of waste. The cost of treating preventable water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid is estimated at Shs 1.658 trillion annually.

Conversely, the report suggests that increased investment in WASH interventions over the next five years could lead to savings of Shs 1.724 trillion in treatment costs by significantly reducing the disease burden. Researchers recommend dedicated funding for WASH programs in health and education to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and ultimately, reduce preventable illnesses.

For more details, see The Observer (Uganda): https://observer.ug/news/report-90-of-ugandans-dont-know-how-to-wash-hands-properly