Towards a Systemic Approach to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities

The report explores how to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in healthcare facilities by addressing the wider systems that sustain them, rather than treating them as stand-alone infrastructure projects. It offers a practical approach to integrating WASH into health sector governance, financing, workforce development, service delivery and monitoring. Country examples demonstrate ways to clarify institutional responsibilities, secure sustainable funding, strengthen accountability, use data to inform decisions, and ensure services are inclusive and climate-resilient. The report also highlights the importance of coordination across health and WASH actors, alongside clear roles and effective oversight, to support reliable services over time. It is particularly useful for organizations working to improve healthcare quality and sustainability, design WASH interventions, or strengthen health systems at organizational and community levels.