Assessment of access to sanitation in healthcare facilities in Kisangani, democratic republic of Congo

Introduction: Sanitation in healthcare facilities is fundamental to preventing healthcare-associated infections, protecting patients and healthcare staff, and improving the quality of healthcare services. This study aimed to assess access to sanitation in healthcare facilities in the city of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 206 healthcare facilities across the five health zones of Kisangani. Data were collected using a standardized grid based on national Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH) standards and WHO and UNICEF recommendations. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed at a significance level of 5%.
Results: Only 10.19% of facilities had a secure biomedical waste sorting system, and 34.95% had a functional incinerator. The majority of toilets lacked septic tanks (62.62%), were not separated between patients and staff (66.99%), and were not separated between men and women (83.5%). No facility had toilets adapted for people with reduced mobility. Overall, 70.87% of facilities had poor access to sanitation. Multivariate analysis showed that open waste disposal was the main factor associated with poor access to sanitation ( ORa = 6.8; 95% CI: 2.44–19.12; p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Access to sanitation in healthcare facilities in Kisangani remains insufficient and is marked by significant shortcomings in biomedical waste management and sanitation infrastructure. Strengthening waste management systems, improving sanitation infrastructure, and effectively implementing WASH and EHA standards are necessary to guarantee safe and quality care.