Improving Health Care for Women and Children: West Nile gets a boost

Nearly 20,000 children in West Nile will benefit from improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, thanks to a grant from the Government of Iceland. The funding is targeting four health centers and seven schools with limited WASH facilities but provide services to numerous patients and learners, including both South Sudanese refugees and host communities. “Supporting the construction of WASH facilities will contribute to the reduction of child mortality and morbidity and prevent WASH-related diseases in West Nile region,” said H.E Unnur Orradóttir Ramette, Ambassador of Iceland in Uganda. A WASH conditions assessment conducted in 99 health centres in West Nile revealed that 85 per cent of the health centres had limited water supply due to lack of reliable water sources within their premises. The situation in schools is not any different, given that only a few schools meet the recommended pupil stance ratio of 40:1. Majority of the schools in West Nile are far above the national average pupil stance ratio of 70:1. The funds from Iceland will benefit the districts of Arua and Yumbe, targeting 50 per cent refugees and 50 per cent host communities. Investments in WASH service provision for schools and health centres will create a favourable atmosphere for learning and a better healthcare environment for women and children,” said UNICEF’s Representative in Uganda, Dr. Doreen Mulenga.

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