The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new resolution to address the lack of basic services in clinics, hospitals, and health outposts around the world.
It’s the first time such significant action has been taken at this level on the issue, experts said, expressing hope that the resolution will bring about tangible change by recognizing the critical role of water, sanitation, and hygiene, or WASH, in health care.
As it stands, half of the world’s health care facilities operate without water, soap, or alcohol-based hand gel, leaving doctors unable to wash equipment or their hands, creating a prime environment for infection and antimicrobial resistance, or AMR. One in 4 facilities is unable to segregate its health care waste, and one billion people use health care facilities that don’t have reliable electricity, rendering lifesaving technology useless.
About the author
Rebecca L. Root
Rebecca L. Root is a freelance reporter for Devex based in Bangkok. Previously senior associate & reporter, she produced news stories, video, and podcasts as well as partnership content. She has a background in finance, travel, and global development journalism and has written for a variety of publications while living and working in Bangkok, New York, London, and Barcelona.
