WHO/UNICEF Report: Five in Six Ghana Health Facilities Fall Short of Basic Sanitation Standards

A new joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF has revealed a critical shortfall in sanitation infrastructure within Ghana’s healthcare system. As of 2025, only 16% of health facilities in the country meet basic sanitation standards, a figure that is significantly lower than the global average of 40%. This finding indicates that five out of every six health facilities in Ghana are currently falling short of the requirements necessary to ensure safe and hygienic environments for patients and healthcare workers. The data paints a concerning picture of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) landscape across the nation. While 16% meet the basic threshold, the vast majority—approximately 74%—operate with only limited sanitation services. Even more alarming is the revelation that 10% of health facilities in Ghana possess no sanitation facilities whatsoever. This lack of infrastructure undermines the quality of care and compromises the safety of both patients and medical staff, particularly in rural or underserved areas where these gaps are often most pronounced. Beyond sanitation, the report assessed other essential metrics, showing that Ghana continues to lag behind global benchmarks in several categories. Basic water services were available in 65% of facilities, while only 54% met the criteria for hygiene services. The management of medical waste remains one of the most significant challenges, with a mere 27% of facilities adhering to basic healthcare waste management requirements. This specific failure raises the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of infectious diseases within the very institutions designed to treat them. The WHO and UNICEF findings emphasize that basic WASH services are fundamental to providing safe, dignified, and high-quality healthcare. The report serves as a call to action for the government and health authorities to prioritize investment in sanitation infrastructure. Strengthening these services is seen as essential for reducing hospital-acquired infections and ensuring that Ghana can meet its broader public health goals under the current administration of President John Mahama.