Poor water and sanitation costs Uganda billions, preventable deaths — report
One of the report’s starkest findings is that about 33 children die every day from diarrheal disease associated with poor water and sanitation, highlighting the consequences of unsafe water and inadequate hygiene.
Health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi said a substantial proportion of the country’s disease burden could be prevented through stronger public health measures. (File)
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Poor water, sanitation and hygiene is costing Uganda billions of shillings in healthcare expenses, lost productivity and preventable deaths, with children bearing a significant share of the burden, a new report has warned.
The report was presented at the three-day Ministry of Health’s 4th Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.
It highlights the economic and human consequences of inadequate access to safe water, proper sanitation and hygiene facilities.
It calls for greater investment in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, warning that failure to address the gaps will continue to expose communities to preventable diseases while undermining household incomes, children’s health and national development.
Dr Herbert Nabaasa, the Ministry of Health’s commissioner for environmental health, presented the findings, which link poor WASH services to diarrheal diseases, child malnutrition, infections and barriers to girls’ education.
One of the report’s starkest findings is that about 33 children die every day from diarrheal disease associated with poor water and sanitation, highlighting the consequences of unsafe water and inadequate hygiene.
The findings place water and sanitation not only among Uganda’s public health challenges, but also among its economic development priorities, as families and the health system continue to bear the cost of illnesses that could be prevented through basic services.
The report further highlights the burden on children, citing stunting associated with poor living conditions and infections. It also links inadequate hygiene to neonatal infections, underscoring the importance of clean environments and proper hygiene during childbirth and newborn care.
According to the report, 44% of primary schools lack handwashing facilities, leaving pupils with limited opportunities to practise basic hygiene during the school day.
The report also warns that poor menstrual health and hygiene can disrupt girls’ education, with an estimated 10% of girls dropping out of school because of menstrual hygiene-related challenges.
In Kampala, the report points to gaps in solid waste collection, estimating that more than half of the city’s waste is not collected. Poor waste management can contribute to environmental contamination and create conditions that threaten public health.
Access to safe water remains another challenge for households in some communities, where women and families may have to walk long distances to collect water. The report cites journeys of at least five kilometres in some cases, adding to the time and labour required to meet basic household needs.
Speaking at the conference, health minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi said a substantial proportion of the country’s disease burden could be prevented through stronger public health measures.
He said up to 75% of the disease burden was preventable, reinforcing calls for greater attention to prevention alongside the treatment of patients in health facilities.
The minister’s remarks come as Uganda continues to confront communicable diseases, including diarrheal illnesses, malaria, tuberculosis, and respiratory infections, while non-communicable diseases are also increasing.
Ministry of Health permanent secretary Dr Diana Atwine urged leaders and communities to take responsibility for addressing health risks before they develop into serious illnesses. She said prevention efforts needed sustained investment and active participation at the community level.
The report adds to calls for stronger coordination between government departments, local authorities, schools and communities to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services.
Addressing the gaps would require investment in water supply, household and public sanitation, handwashing facilities, menstrual hygiene support in schools and more effective waste collection.
The report warns that without sustained action, Uganda will continue to pay a high price for inadequate WASH services through preventable illness, deaths and lost economic opportunities.