Water and sanitation challenges persist in Madagascar schools and health centers

A joint report by the World Health Organization and UNICEF reveals significant deficits in water, hygiene, and sanitation within Madagascar’s educational and healthcare facilities. According to the report, only 46% of schools in the country possess improved sanitation facilities, while 53% lack any water supply services. Hygiene remains a critical issue, with 82% of institutions reported to be completely without such services.

In basic health centers, patients have reported having to provide their own water or source it from village wells for childbirth. To address these gaps, the Water Access Improvement Project (PAAEP), funded by the World Bank and overseen by the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, is constructing infrastructure to improve access in Greater Antananarivo and six secondary cities. The project targets 260 schools and 70 health facilities, with new infrastructure designed to withstand climate-related challenges.