One of the subthemes of Universal Health Coverage Day in December was "healthy environments," emphasizing the link between a person's environment and their access to healthcare. Progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) depends on the efficiency of healthcare systems. Efficient healthcare systems can reduce costs and expand coverage to more people. It's important to understand the different types of efficiency to prioritize investments and not overlook simple public health improvements, which are crucial in expanding health coverage, and creating healthy environments for all.

Improving quality and access to healthcare is a daunting challenge. But some simple, low-tech ideas can help to enhance the patient experience and everyone's safety.

Around 1.8 billion people are at heightened risk of COVID-19 and other diseases because they use or work in health care facilities without basic water services, warn WHO and UNICEF.

Excerpts related to handwashing infrastructure, from "Water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus; interim guidance 23 April 2020.

WHO Recommendation on Handwashing Stations; Healthcare Facilities

During the 72nd World Health Assembly, hosted on 20–28 May 2019, the WASH in health care facilities resolution was unanimously approved.

What do you do when there aren’t enough working sinks in the hospital and the infrastructure situation won’t be improved anytime soon? Sometimes, you need to get creative.