Private Not-For-Profit Healthcare specialists call for enhanced WASH investment, partnerships to improve public health
Drake Nyamugabwa
In an effort to improve the health of the communities in Uganda, different Private Not-for-profit health care facilities have highlighted the need for stronger partnerships and increased investment in Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs.
The government has, in particular, urged to strengthen their support to the health facilities in terms of WASH and increase collaboration between the scientist and non-scientists in areas including; toilet coverage, piped water, accessibility ramps for persons with disabilities, gaps in funding, and staff to ensure public access to healthy and safe water, adequate sanitation, and improved hygiene.
During the stakeholder engagement advocacy workshop that attracted private not-for-profit healthcare facilities engaged in safe water, adequate sanitation, and improved hygiene (WASH) program, the majority of the speakers reiterated the need for government to support private not-for-profit healthcare facilities under the WASH program.
The Dialogue was organized by Engineers Without Borders, Programme for Accessible health, Communication, and Education (PACE), and Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau among others together with the dissemination a report on what has been assessed in the different Private Non for-Profit facilities.
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary WASH forum Hon. Silas Aogon resounded the importance of supporting and investing in private not-for-profit health care facilities as they play a significant role in realizing the sectoral Development Goals (SDG3) which is good health for all.
“ I want to agree with Engineers Without Borders, that government needs to come in to support the facilities in terms of WASH and so we need that increased collaboration between the scientist and the non-scientists. By and large, as WASH our role is to make sure that we provide you with that access to parliament to access funding support” he said
The Chief Engineer, Engineer Without Borders-USA Gerard Dalziel pictured above during the opening remarks emphasized the need for assessment and data collection as they form a strong baseline for evidence-based interventions.
Dr. Alima Hillary from Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau Uganda gave the attendees of the workshop a comprehensive overview on the role of private not for profit health care facilities in Uganda while pointing out the work that is being done and opportunities for partnership
Joash Bwambale from Engineer Without Borders said that there is need to assess the level of sanitation and hygine in Private not for profit healthcare facilities while recognizing the role played by WASH to enable clear planning.
He said the report pointed out an alarming situation in the facilities which need government intervention,
“Government needs to come up with a clear road map of WASH in progammes and budgeting. This will improve community adherence to WASH in these facilities” he said.
