Stakeholders in Ghana’s health sector convened today at a high-level advocacy event focused on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), underscoring its crucial role in human development, healthcare quality, and patient outcomes.

Themed "Enhancing WASH in Healthcare Facilities – The Way Forward for Ghana," the event brought together government officials, healthcare leaders, civil society groups, and development partners. The initiative aimed to drive transformative change by harnessing cross-sector partnerships and exploring innovative solutions to improve WASH infrastructure and services within health facilities nationwide.

Participants emphasized the urgent need to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable access to healthcare services, including effective waste management and reliable electricity supply. A key goal of the event was to spotlight persistent barriers and mobilize coordinated action to scale up WASH interventions across the country.

Representing the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of the Public Health Division, stressed that enhancing WASH in healthcare facilities is vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). He cited successful case studies from the Bongo District in the Upper East Region and advocacy efforts by the Kalvio-Gugoro group in the Upper West Region, showcasing the impact of collaborative WASH initiatives.

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe called for sustained investment, stronger collaboration, and inclusive partnerships to ensure equitable access to quality care for all Ghanaians, regardless of their location.

The event was chaired by Professor Titus Beyuo, Member of Parliament for Lambussie and a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health. In his closing remarks, he reiterated the legislature’s commitment to supporting WASH infrastructure development and policy reforms that prioritize public health.

The gathering marks a significant step in national efforts to embed WASH at the heart of Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.

Credit: Ghana Health Service