WASH in health care facilities: reinforcing existing structures and best practices

Adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is essential for health care facilities (HCFs) around the world. The World Health Organization recently developed a tool to address these concerns, known as the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities Improvement Tool (WASH FIT). Embangweni Mission Hospital in Northern Malawi started implementing the tool in July of 2017. The tool utilizes existing facilities and organizations for a comprehensive approach to WASH improvement. Therefore, appropriate foundations for successful implementation are important to recognize and foster. Existing facilities, committees, infrastructure and resourcefulness of staff have all meaningfully contributed to the unique implementation in Embangweni. The foundations from Embangweni can help provide insight to WASHFIT implementation in future locations.