According to the UN, approximately four billion people are at an increased risk of infection because only half of the world’s healthcare institutions provide basic hygienic services.According to the World Health Organization, these facilities lack toiletries, water, soap, or alcohol-based hand rub where patients receive care (WHO).
3.85 billion individuals utilise these facilities, increasing their risk of contracting an infection. Of them, 688 million people receive treatment in institutions with no hygienic services at all.The WHO’s Maria Neira stated that hygiene procedures and facilities in hospital settings are non-negotiable.
The recovery, prevention, and readiness for pandemics depend heavily on their improvement.”Increasing investments in fundamental measures, such as safe water, clean bathrooms, and securely managed health care waste, are necessary to ensure hygiene in healthcare facilities.”
The recently developed global estimate, based on information from 40 nations, paints a “alarming image” of the cleanliness of healthcare facilities, according to the UN.According to the report, 65% of restrooms featured handwashing sinks with water and soap and 68% of healthcare institutions offered hygiene facilities at sites of service.
Only 51% of people, however, had both, making them eligible for basic hygiene services. Additionally, just 9% of medical facilities worldwide have both.
