Only 40% of healthcare facilities worldwide met basic sanitation standards in 2025, according to a report by the United Nations health and children’s agencies. This means just four in 10 facilities had toilets that were adequately available and usable for patients and staff, including those with limited mobility. The report also revealed that 11% of healthcare facilities lacked any sanitation services. Consequently, around 936 million people receive healthcare at facilities where sanitation is inadequate or absent, highlighting a significant gap in healthcare infrastructure globally.
Poor sanitation in healthcare settings creates unsafe conditions for both patients and healthcare workers. Accessible and adequate toilets are essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring a safe environment for everyone involved in care. These findings underscore the urgent need for increased investment in sanitation infrastructure, especially in regions with limited basic services. Enhancing access to safe and usable sanitation is key to strengthening healthcare systems and protecting public health.
