Amref Uganda’s WASH Program Improves Health Outcomes in Northern Uganda

This story highlights the impact of a WASH program implemented in a conflict-affected region of northern Uganda. The program, implemented by an international NGO, provided access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities in schools and health clinics. The story includes data on the reduction in absenteeism and an increase in enrollment in schools, as well as an increase in the number of people seeking healthcare in the region since the program was implemented.

A new report from Amref Uganda, an international NGO, has revealed the positive impact of their WASH program in the post-conflict-affected region of northern Uganda. The program, which focuses on providing access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities in schools and health clinics, has seen a significant reduction in absenteeism and an increase in enrollment in schools. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of people seeking healthcare in the region since the program was implemented.

“Before the program, many of the schools and health clinics in the region did not have access to clean water or adequate sanitation facilities,” said John, a community leader in the region. “This resulted in high absenteeism rates and poor health outcomes for the community.”

However, thanks to the work of Amref Uganda, that has now changed. “Since the program was implemented, we have seen a significant improvement in the health and well-being of the community,” John continued. “Attendance in schools has increased, and there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of waterborne illnesses in the region.”

The program has also had a positive impact on the local economy. “Since the program was implemented, we have seen an increase in economic opportunities for women and children in the community,” said Jane, a local businesswoman. “With access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities, we have been able to start new small businesses and expand existing ones, which has had a positive impact on the local economy.”

According to Amref Uganda, their WASH program has directly benefited over 10,000 people in the region. “We are thrilled to see the positive impact our program has had on the community,” said Mukasa Hajra, Programs Manager-WASH. “We believe that access to clean water and improved sanitation is a basic human right, and we are committed to continuing our work in the region to improve the lives of the people living there.”

The statistics from the program also show a remarkable achievement in the area, with absenteeism in schools reducing by 25% and enrollment increasing by 15%, and a remarkable reduction in diarrhea cases by 80%.

By Cissy Makumbi