Only 40% of the world’s healthcare facilities meet basic sanitation standards, according to a report released on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, by the United Nations. The data reveals that more than one in ten health facilities worldwide operate completely without sanitation services, serving 936 million people.
A Sizing Up of Global Infrastructure Gaps
The report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF provided global estimates of basic sanitation services in healthcare settings. Drawing on data from 70 countries, the findings show that four in ten facilities meet basic sanitation standards for accessible and usable toilets capable of meeting the needs of both patients and staff, including individuals with limited mobility. However, the remaining majority face critical deficiencies.
To meet the UN’s basic sanitation standards, a healthcare facility must maintain usable facilities featuring at least one toilet dedicated to staff, at least one sex-separated toilet with menstrual hygiene facilities, and at least one toilet accessible for people with limited mobility. The reality on the ground falls far short of these standards across multiple regions.
Regional disparities are sharp. In sub-Saharan Africa, just 23% of healthcare facilities provide basic services. Central and southern Asia fare better at 55%, yet systemic vulnerabilities remain pervasive.
Beyond Toilets: Water, Hygiene, and Waste Management
Sanitation is only one component of the broader infrastructural challenge outlined in the UN assessment. The report also evaluated access to water, hygiene, environmental cleaning, and healthcare waste management.
An estimated 85% of facilities last year maintained basic water services, while 72% had basic hygiene services. Basic healthcare waste management was present in 71% of facilities. Yet, infection prevention and control relies heavily on rigorous environmental cleaning—a standard requiring both cleaning protocols and trained cleaning staff.
Only 59% of global facilities met basic environmental cleaning standards. More concerningly, 18% of facilities—serving around 1.5 billion people—met neither of the environmental cleaning requirements, according to data drawn from 54 countries.
The burden falls heaviest on economically vulnerable populations. Among the world’s least-developed nations, the environmental cleaning standard was met by just 24% of facilities, underscoring an acute disparity in international healthcare safety.
The Path Forward for Global Health Security
How can international health organizations effectively accelerate infrastructure funding in regions where basic sanitation remains an exception rather than the rule?
