Only 16% of Ghana's health facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, according to a new assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. This means approximately five out of every six health facilities in the country fall short of essential hygiene requirements.
The findings, detailed in the report 'Progress on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management in Health Care Facilities 2015–2025', highlight critical deficiencies. These gaps extend beyond simple toilet availability, encompassing usable and improved facilities for staff, separate provisions for men and women, menstrual hygiene, and accessibility for people with limited mobility. The lack of these basic services can compromise patient dignity and increase health risks.
This low compliance rate places Ghana below the 23% average for sub-Saharan Africa and significantly below the 40% global standard. The situation reflects broader challenges within Ghana's public infrastructure and healthcare system, potentially increasing the burden of preventable diseases. Inadequate sanitation can lead to higher healthcare costs and reduced workforce productivity, impacting the national economy.
The WHO and UNICEF report underscores that these deficiencies are not isolated to sanitation. For instance, only 65% of Ghana's health facilities had basic water services in 2025, meaning water from an improved source was available on premises. Furthermore, only 54% of facilities met basic hygiene standards, which include functional hand-hygiene facilities with water and soap at points of care and near toilets. These figures indicate a systemic issue requiring urgent attention.
The implications for public health and economic stability are substantial. Poor sanitation and hygiene in healthcare settings can lead to healthcare-associated infections, increasing patient morbidity and mortality. This, in turn, strains an already stretched healthcare system and diverts resources that could be used for other critical health interventions. Decision-makers must prioritize investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure within health facilities to safeguard public health and support economic development.
Beyond sanitation, the report also revealed gaps in medical waste management. Only 27% of Ghana's health facilities met the basic waste-management standard in 2025. This means that more than three-quarters of facilities may not be safely separating, treating, and disposing of potentially infectious materials. Improper waste disposal poses environmental hazards and further risks to public health, including healthcare workers and surrounding communities.
The report cautions that while some recent surveys show lower estimates for waste management coverage, this might reflect improved data collection rather than worsening conditions. Nevertheless, the figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions and increased funding. Addressing these fundamental issues is crucial for Ghana to achieve its health and development goals, ensuring a healthier and more productive population.
The disparities in service provision across different West African countries also highlight the need for tailored national strategies. While Ghana performs better than some neighbours like Guinea-Bissau (7%) and Mali (12%) in sanitation, it lags behind Nigeria (29%) and Senegal (35%). These comparisons offer valuable insights for policy formulation, emphasizing that a multi-faceted approach is essential to improve health outcomes and economic resilience across the region.