Background of the Study
Access to clean water and proper sanitation in healthcare centers is essential for infection prevention, patient safety, and overall healthcare quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in healthcare facilities are fundamental to achieving universal health coverage and preventing healthcare-associated infections (WHO, 2024). In many developing regions, including Nigeria, inadequate WASH facilities contribute to the spread of diseases, increased morbidity rates, and poor health outcomes (Federal Ministry of Health, 2024).
Kebbi State, situated in northwestern Nigeria, has faced persistent challenges related to water and sanitation in healthcare centers. Many hospitals and primary healthcare facilities in the state suffer from inconsistent water supply, poor sanitation infrastructure, and inadequate waste disposal systems (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2024). While the Nigerian government has implemented policies and programs to improve WASH services in healthcare facilities—such as the National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Policy—issues related to poor policy enforcement, lack of funding, and infrastructural deficiencies continue to affect healthcare service delivery (Ibrahim & Bello, 2024).
This study aims to critically appraise water and sanitation policies in healthcare centers in Kebbi State, evaluating their effectiveness, implementation challenges, and potential areas for improvement.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the existence of water and sanitation policies, healthcare centers in Kebbi State continue to experience poor WASH infrastructure, leading to increased risks of hospital-acquired infections and preventable disease outbreaks. Many hospitals operate without a reliable water supply, and some lack basic sanitation facilities, including handwashing stations, latrines, and proper drainage systems (Bello & Yusuf, 2023). Additionally, waste management practices remain suboptimal, increasing the risk of contamination and environmental hazards (Ogunbanjo & Salami, 2024).
The effectiveness of current water and sanitation policies in ensuring adequate WASH services in healthcare facilities remains unclear. This study seeks to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these policies, identify implementation gaps, and provide recommendations for enhancing WASH infrastructure in Kebbi State’s healthcare centers.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on water and sanitation policies in healthcare centers in Kebbi State. It will assess healthcare facilities’ access to clean water, proper sanitation, and waste disposal systems. Limitations include potential difficulty in obtaining data on WASH infrastructure and reliance on secondary data sources.
Definitions of Terms
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