Front-line rural health clinics: Water, sanitation and hygiene access in Ntcheu District (Malawi)

Description:

• Case study explored water, sanitation and hygiene access in rural village health clinics.
• Observational checklist at clinics and interviews with front-line personnel.
• 99% (80/81) of clinics reported having a year-round water source.
• 100% (81/81) of clinics had pit latrines, but only 42% were improved facilities.
• 11% (9/81) of clinics had water and soap for handwashing.

The results of this study demonstrate the need for understanding front-line health services offered at a permanent or semipermanent shelter, within the household of the provider, or in an open space, compared to larger healthcare facilities. While this study found that rural village health clinics generally had adequate coverage of water and sanitation, and better access than reported nationwide in rural households or schools, handwashing facilities remain an important gap to be filled.

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Bibliographical Information:

Mmanga, M., Holm, R. H. and Di Bella, V. (2020) Front-line rural health clinics: Water, sanitation and hygiene access in Ntcheu District (Malawi). , Mzuzu University , Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Volume 116, April 2020, 102862

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