Inadequate Hygiene Costs Sub-Saharan Africa $8.4 Billion Annually, New Study Reveals

Uganda is setting the pace for Africa in addressing the dire sanitation situation on the continent. With almost half of the world's population lacking access to safe and sustainable sanitation, Uganda has recognized the importance of investing in this critical area. Poor sanitation practices cost the country $177 million annually [96dcdf00].

Uganda's political commitment and conducive investment environment have created a unique opportunity for progress. The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) is partnering with Uganda to develop a sustainable sanitation economy that not only improves public health but also generates jobs and economic opportunities. The SHF is also addressing menstrual health and hygiene challenges, aiming to improve access to affordable menstrual products and contribute to gender equality [96dcdf00] [76efcc8a].

The goal is to build a financially sustainable model in Uganda that can serve as a blueprint for other African countries. By investing in sanitation and hygiene, Uganda is not only improving the lives of its citizens but also demonstrating leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [96dcdf00].

Zimbabwe's Vice President Kembo Mohadi emphasizes the importance of a clean environment for the country's socio-economic growth and development. Speaking at a clean-up program organized by Prophet Walter Magaya's Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, VP Mohadi urges Zimbabweans to make clean-up programs a part of their culture. He highlights that an unhealthy and unhygienic environment leads to a 'sick nation' that diverts resources from economic development to crisis management. VP Mohadi calls for the adoption of effective waste management systems and community participation in cleaning the environment. The event was attended by government officials, including Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere and Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, as well as diplomats [383614dc].

The urgency of sustainable development and water conservation has been highlighted by the United Nations (UN). Recent crises have reversed decades of development progress, with only 15% of SDG targets on track. Geopolitical and economic fragmentation pose threats to global growth and the energy transition. Developing economies are burdened with high levels of debt and fiscal vulnerabilities, hindering critical development spending. The poorest countries and vulnerable populations are suffering the most, with millions being pushed back into extreme poverty. The SDG financing gap is estimated to be over $4 trillion per year. In order to address these challenges, the UN proposes a stimulus of at least $500 billion per year and calls for more effective action on sovereign debt. Over half of the poorest countries are at high risk of debt distress, and debt servicing is crowding out critical development spending. The UN suggests re-channeling Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), addressing debt overhang and debt restructuring, and mainstreaming climate-resilient debt clauses. The UN also highlights collaborative efforts in Serbia and Mozambique towards sustainable development initiatives, including training programs on sustainable development for communication professionals in Mozambique. The SDGs serve as a universal call for joint action to protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all [77c97dd3] [5dbd895c] [7f0bafb9] [77c97dd3].

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced a five-year program to support circular-economy projects in about 60 local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines. The program will be launched in January and will initially support 10 LGUs, with 10 more to follow. The remaining 40 LGUs will be included within the five-year timeframe. The UNDP will also be working on the Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities against Disasters and Climate Change (SHIELD) program, which aims to improve social service delivery in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other areas. The project started in 2021 and will run until 2028, with a cost of about $13 million [a555f724].

UNICEF calls on the Nigerian government to increase funding for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs. The call was made by Dr. Jane Bevan, the chief of WASH UNICEF Nigeria, during her keynote address at the 2023 International Conference on Environmental Law and Governance for Sustainable Development. The conference was organized by the Green and Sustainability Unit of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, in commemoration of World Toilet Day. Dr. Bevan emphasized the importance of investment in WASH and the need for prioritization. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also highlighted the significance of sanitation and clean water for personal hygiene [f3f3fcab].

Waste management company, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, has trained new sanitation recruits at the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS) at Bundase Training Camp in preparation for the 13th All African Games. The recruits underwent a two-week training program in basic management skills, drill, cleaning, self-discipline, physical fitness, time management, team work, and crowd control. The training aimed to enhance the team's skills in service excellence, self-discipline, resilience, team work, leadership, and adaptability. Zoomlion Ghana Limited has previous experience in providing sanitation services at major sports tournaments and will ensure that all sports facilities are kept clean during the games. The 13th African Games will be held in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast from March 8th to 24th, 2024 [070b2248].

Access to clean water for all will foster peace and development in regions ravaged by armed conflict, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Phuong Nguyen, UNICEF chief of Borno Field Office, highlighted the challenge of access to clean water and sanitation in the northeast region of Nigeria. Vandalization and theft of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in camps and communities exacerbate the problem. UNICEF called for the prevention of such incidents and emphasized the importance of clean water for sustainable development and a culture of peace [59f7a7a5].

A new report from WaterAid and the World Bank reveals that inadequate hygiene in Sub-Saharan Africa costs $8.4 billion annually. The lack of handwashing facilities, clean water, and decent toilets contribute significantly to the transmission of infections in healthcare facilities in Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda, Mali, and Ghana. Surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and respiratory tract infections are among the most common healthcare-acquired infections. These infections account for an average of 1.1% of GDP and 4.5% of total health budgets annually across the studied countries. Malawi faces particularly high costs, with healthcare-associated infections consuming 2.92% of its GDP and 10.9% of its annual healthcare budget. WaterAid calls for increased investment in WASH infrastructure to protect communities from resistant infections and enhance pandemic preparedness. The release of this data precedes the UN High Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) later this year. WaterAid urges governments, international financial institutions, and donor countries to prioritize financing for WASH in healthcare facilities. The organization emphasizes the importance of collaboration in ensuring universal access to clean water, decent sanitation, and good hygiene. [c5b92165]