World leaders have recently stated that universal health coverage and access to comprehensive high – quality medical services “focused on the needs and interests of people” are indispensable conditions for ensuring health and safety for all. In addition, one of the most important aspects of consumer protection is obtaining high-quality medical services. Taking this into account, within the framework of the project “Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation in Tajikistan”, which is implemented by Oxfam World Bank, the WASH FIT (Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool) was implemented in some medical institutions of the Muminabad and Rudaki districts, which translates as “Methods for improving water supply, sanitation and hygiene in medical institutions”. To implement this technique, training events were organized and conducted in March 2021 for representatives of 7 medical institutions in the districts of Muminabad and Rudaki.
The WASH FIT methodology covers four broad areas: water supply, sanitation (including medical waste management), hygiene (hand hygiene and environmental cleanliness) and the organization of the work of the institution.
WASH services strengthen the ability of health care systems to withstand adverse external influences and prevent disease outbreaks, make it possible to take effective measures in response to emergencies (disease outbreaks) and control them when they occur.
Experts from among the specialists of the Sanitary Epidemiological Service under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan and an engineer in the field of water supply were involved in carrying out these events. To teach the WASH FIT method, the trainer attracted managers and employees of medical institutions who intend to achieve improvements in their work in conditions of limited resources. The participants were also explained how to conduct an assessment according to the forms of the WASH FIT methodology.