Pandemic Preparedness: Why Do Hospitals Need Reliable

Why are water and sanitation part of pandemic preparedness?

The WHO announcement about continuing pandemic agreement negotiations was published on May 10, 2024. Those negotiations subsequently produced the WHO Pandemic Agreement, adopted in May 2025. Its prevention provisions address safe water, sanitation and hygiene, alongside infection prevention and safe medical waste management. These are explicit components of preparedness, with implications extending from major hospitals to smaller clinics. [WHO negotiation announcement](https://www.who.int/news/item/10-05-2024-governments-agree-to-continue-their-steady-progress-on-proposed-pandemic-agreement-ahead-of-the-world-health-assembly), [adopted agreement](https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA78/A78_R1-en.pdf).

The connection is practical: water supports handwashing, cleaning, drinking and numerous clinical activities. When patient numbers rise, facilities must sustain these services while managing more waste and maintaining usable toilets. The preparedness implication is that infrastructure reliability deserves attention alongside emergency supplies. An agreement establishes commitments; functioning services still require local investment, maintenance and accountability.

What do the latest global hospital hygiene figures show?

A WHO–UNICEF report released on August 18, 2026, estimates that 85% of health care facilities had basic water services in 2025, compared with 40% for sanitation and 59% for environmental cleaning. The estimates cover health care facilities broadly, including hospitals and other facilities. [WHO report](https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/progress-on-water--sanitation--hygiene--environmental-cleaning-and-waste-management-in-health-care-facilities-2015-2025).

The definitions matter. Basic sanitation includes usable, improved toilets with provisions for staff, menstrual hygiene and limited mobility. Basic environmental cleaning requires cleaning protocols and trained personnel. Falling below these standards does not necessarily mean a facility has no toilets or never cleans. These indicators measure service readiness; they do not establish an individual patient's infection risk. [UNICEF indicator definitions and estimates](https://data.unicef.org/topic/water-and-sanitation/wash-in-health-care-facilities/).

How can health facilities turn preparedness plans into safer care?

WHO and UNICEF's Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool, known as WASH FIT, provides a framework for this work. It covers water, sanitation, hand hygiene, cleaning and waste management, together with supporting aspects of energy and facility management. Teams identify risks, prioritize improvements and monitor progress over time. [WHO–UNICEF WASH FIT guide](https://www.unicef.org/documents/who-unicef-water-and-sanitation-health-facility-improvement-tool-wash-fit).

Practical applications include repairing unreliable supplies, replenishing handwashing materials, maintaining accessible toilets and ensuring cleaners receive training. These examples illustrate why installing equipment is only one step: services need continuing staffing and maintenance. Preparedness reviews should therefore examine whether essential services remain available during busy periods and disruptions. That approach supports routine care while strengthening the facility's ability to respond when an outbreak increases demand.