This presentation summarizes the recent WASH FIT activities and progress to-date in Kenya.
Language: English
WASH Matters: Assessing Sanitation and Hygiene in Critical Facilities in host and refugee communities in Turkana and Garissa
An assessment of the WASH Practices and Needs in Schools and Health Facilities in Garissa and Turkana Counties
Supported by the Government of the Netherlands and UNICEF, this WASH assessment was conducted in June 2024 by REACH in collaboration with the County Governments of Garissa and Turkana, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, UNHCR, and the Refugee Affairs Secretariat. The assessment aimed to provide evidence-based information to influence humanitarian planning and responses within the WASH sector. Schools and HFs in Turkana and Garissa Counties were targeted in the host communities, Kalobeyei integrated settlement, and in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps. A descriptive study design, census methodology, and quantitative approach were employed to collect and analyze the data. The assessment included 723 public primary schools and 306 public HFs in the two counties and camps. The findings revealed that communities face diverse priority WASH needs, underscoring the critical importance of developing tailored responses that address specific gaps and challenges in each facility.
WASH FIT Assessment Report in Four Counties of Kenya
WASH FIT assessments were conducted from August – Mid September 2024, contextualized to Kenya. A total of 290 heath care HCFs were assessed in 20 sub-counties of four counties (Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera and Wajir).
WASH-related Needs Assessment in Schools and Health Facilities in Turkana County, Kenya (REACH Initiative)
The floods experienced in the last quarter of 2023 caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in Turkana County, impacting the host community, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). An assessment targeting all public primary schools and healthcare facilities in the host communities and refugee camps in Turkana County in Kenya was undertaken in June 2024.
Global Progress Report on WASH, Waste and Electricity in Health Care Facilities (2025)
Essential services for quality care
Water, sanitation, hygiene, health care waste and electricity services in health care facilities
Global progress report
This joint WHO/UNICEF report provides the latest progress in ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), waste and electricity services in health care facilities. Based on data from 101 countries, the report highlights progress in establishing standards, conducting baseline assessments, and developing national roadmaps. Progress has been made even in least developed countries, reflecting a readiness to implement. However, billions are still served by facilities without basic WASH, waste and electricity services. The report emphasizes that significant acceleration of effort and investment is urgently needed to meet 2030 global targets.
WASH in Health Care Facilities Roadmap (2022) (English)
This national roadmap outlines Malawi’s strategic plan to achieve universal WASH in healthcare facilities by 2030. It includes eight action areas: situational analysis, national targets, standards, infrastructure, monitoring, workforce development, community engagement, and operational research. The roadmap supports alignment with WHA resolutions and global SDG targets.
National Standards and Guidelines for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Health Facilities (2024) (English)
These standards define the national benchmarks for WASH in Malawi’s health facilities, addressing water access, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, environmental cleaning, climate resilience, and emergency preparedness. Developed by the Ministry of Health with development partners, the guidelines support facility-level implementation and align with SDGs 3 and 6.
Infection Prevention, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, and Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines (2020) (English)
This comprehensive guideline integrates IPC, WASH, and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) practices across Malawi’s healthcare system. It includes detailed SOPs, standard precautions, cleaning and disinfection protocols, lab biosafety, outbreak management, and AMR mitigation. The document serves as a national reference for all facility levels and health worker cadres.
National Healthcare Waste Management Policy (2024) (English)
This policy provides strategic guidance for safe and sustainable healthcare waste management in Malawi. It addresses governance, infrastructure, human capacity, social behavior change, and environmental health. The policy is aligned with Malawi Vision 2063 and SDGs 3 and 6, with an emphasis on coordinated implementation across sectors, including development partners, local governments, and the private sector.
Health Care Waste Management Guidelines (2024) (English)
These updated national guidelines provide a structured approach to managing healthcare waste in Malawi. They include guidance on waste minimization, segregation, transport, treatment, disposal, risk mitigation, and the integration of private sector services. The guidelines align with national and international legal frameworks and support implementation planning and monitoring across all levels of the healthcare system.