Only 16% of Ghana's health facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, according to a recent assessment. This critical finding comes from a joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
The report, titled 'Progress on Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Environmental Cleaning and Waste Management in Health Care Facilities 2015–2025', highlights a significant shortfall. Roughly five out of every six health facilities in Ghana failed to meet the full international requirements for basic sanitation. This includes having improved, usable sanitation facilities, dedicated staff toilets, sex-separated facilities with menstrual hygiene provisions, and accessibility for people with limited mobility.
This widespread deficiency in sanitation services carries substantial economic and public health implications for Ghana. Poor sanitation in healthcare settings can increase the spread of infections, leading to longer hospital stays and higher treatment costs. It also reduces trust in the healthcare system, potentially deterring people from seeking necessary medical attention. This situation can directly impact workforce productivity and strain public health budgets, diverting funds from other essential development areas.
The WHO/UNICEF report underscores that Ghana's sanitation performance significantly lags behind global and regional benchmarks. Globally, 40% of health facilities met the basic sanitation standard in 2025. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded an average of 23%. Ghana's 16% coverage places it 24 percentage points below the global average and seven percentage points below the regional estimate. This disparity indicates a pressing need for targeted interventions and increased investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Beyond sanitation, the report also identified other critical gaps in Ghana's healthcare facilities. Only 65% of facilities had basic water services, compared to a global average of 85%. Basic hygiene coverage stood at 54%, below the 72% global level. Furthermore, a mere 27% of facilities met basic healthcare waste management standards. These figures collectively paint a picture of an overburdened system struggling to provide safe and dignified care.
The economic consequences of inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in healthcare are far-reaching. Increased rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) lead to higher morbidity and mortality. This translates into lost economic output due to illness and premature death. The cost of treating these preventable infections also places an additional burden on Ghana's already stretched public health expenditure. Investing in WASH infrastructure is a cost-effective strategy to improve public health outcomes and foster economic resilience.
The report's findings suggest that Ghana's challenge is not uniform across all WASH services. While water availability is better, significant gaps remain. Sanitation is the weakest performing area, with only 16% coverage. Healthcare waste management also presents a major concern, with only 27% of facilities meeting basic standards. These disparities require a multi-faceted approach, prioritizing the most critical areas while ensuring holistic improvements.
For patients, healthcare workers, and vulnerable groups like pregnant women and persons with disabilities, these statistics represent a fundamental challenge. The absence of basic WASH services compromises the safety and dignity of care. It can lead to a cycle of illness and poverty, especially in rural areas where access to improved facilities is often even more limited. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.
The government and development partners must now focus on strategic investments and policy reforms to address these deficiencies. This includes allocating sufficient funds for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance. Implementing robust regulatory frameworks for WASH in healthcare facilities is also essential. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will ensure accountability and track progress towards meeting international standards. Failure to act could exacerbate public health crises and hinder Ghana's long-term economic growth.
Decision-makers will need to consider how these findings impact Ghana's broader development agenda. Improved health outcomes are intrinsically linked to economic productivity and human capital development. The report serves as a clear call to action for all stakeholders. It emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize WASH services within the healthcare sector to safeguard public health and support national progress.