|
Every health care facility (HCF) to have WASH services by 2030!
A survey of 1.1 million women from 114 countries on healthcare tells us that Water and Sanitation are second only to respectful care. They want clean toilets in maternity wards. They want soap and water to wash themselves and their babies after birth.’
As people of action, Rotary members can create awareness of WASH in healthcare facilities. We can mobilize resources and partners to tackle those needs.
Rotary clubs are the heart of our communities. We can lead our communities to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in healthcare facilities.
Where to start?
1. Rotarians in developing countries: visit your local healthcare facility. Meet the senior administrator, talk to the nurses and medical staff, inspect the wards, especially maternity and birthing wards, look at the toilets, check for handwashing facilities—are soap and water readily accessible.
In short, size up the situation. Would you want a loved one to be a patient there?
2.Then - mobilize the community. Facilitate a meeting of all stakeholders-community leaders, healthcare administrators and workers (especially the women), local health authorities, water and sanitation officials, recent patients and medical professionals.
Listen to what they have to say—help the community to agree on goals, priorities and the persons to lead transformation to a safe healthy environment.
3.Bring the key players together, help them to plan and implement change - safe water supply, toilets, handwashing, organization and capacity building, training, funding and measuring progress.
You are not alone. Ambassadors of WASH-RAG (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Rotary Action Group) are ready to help you. So are members of the Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals. Call on the Area of Focus Managers and the Cadre of Technical Advisers. The resources you need for a sustainable project are a phone-call away.
Ron Denham, Chair Emeritus
WASH Rotary Action Group