Assessment of water availability and excreta sanitation in health centres in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria

Safe means of excreta disposal and water availability remains a challenge in developing countries. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess water availability and excreta sanitation in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Owerri West, Imo State. Interview with questionnaire, survey tool/checklist, onsite observation and picture-taking were employed to collect data on water availability and safe excreta management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and results presented infrequency and percentages. The most common method of excreta disposal was the use of Flush system (79%). It was observed that about 78.6% of PHCs had functional toilets and 71.4% of the toilets were visibly cleaned. Only 14.3% of the PHCs had access to community water supply source, while the remaining 85.7% made use of their individual water sources. About 64.3% of the PHCs reported to have had experienced insufficient water supply all year round and 71% had water at the time of the report. It was observed that 28.6% PHCs had complete anal cleansing materials. Majority 92.8% of nursing mothers who visited the PHCs took home their babies’ soiled diapers. Inadequate water supply and functional toilet facilities for proper excreta management reported in some of the PHCs has been associated with the spread be bacterial, viral and parasitic infections such as typhoid, diarrhea diseases, cholera, amoebiasis, ascariasis, and a host of other fecal-oral transmitted infections. There was inadequate provision of water and toilet facilities in the PHCs, and this could hinder safe excreta management and jeopardize the health of staff and patients. published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)