Community Monitoring of Public Health Services Highlights Need for Maintenance of Facility Toilet Hygiene

In a recent survey conducted by Social Employment Fund (SEF) fieldworkers for our Izimvo Ngempilo (Health Talk) Project, an alarming trend has emerged in healthcare facilities across Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City Municipality, and OR Tambo Districts. Fieldworkers visited 78 clinics, engaging with over 450 patients to better understand their experiences. The findings revealed significant concerns about public toilets, particularly in 13 facilities, where residents expressed strong dissatisfaction. This highlights an urgent need to address gaps in these clinics' water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene are fundamental cornerstones of public health. No one should visit a healthcare facility only to face conditions that could make them ill. However, the survey found that many residents face heightened risks of infection due to healthcare facilities lacking basic WASH services. This reality underscores a systemic challenge that threatens the health and well-being of vulnerable communities.

One bright spot in this scenario is the Nontyatyambo Health Centre in Mdantsane, which recently joined our Izimvo Ngempilo Project to improve their service delivery. The facility manager emphasised that this initiative has the potential to create meaningful change in the community. This progress is largely due to residents coming together to address issues, fix problems, and monitor the quality of services.

Collaborative efforts like these illustrate the power of community-driven solutions. Residents in 43 of the 78 clinics (55%) in poor rural and peri-urban communities are satisfied with the services received. Despite these strides, systemic challenges persist. Over 40% of residents surveyed reported ongoing difficulties at their clinics. Key issues include:

• Insufficient Staffing: A shortage of nurses affects the quality and speed of care provided.
• Long Waiting Times: Patients often endure lengthy waits, exacerbating their frustrations.
• Poor Patient Management Systems: Inefficient systems contribute to delays and miscommunication.

Clinics alone cannot solve these challenges. They require coordinated action from local government, healthcare authorities, and community members. Solutions such as investing in infrastructure, improving resource allocation, and streamlining management processes are critical to ensuring that healthcare facilities meet the needs of all residents.

Izimvo Ngempilo is a reminder that community voices are integral to improving healthcare systems. By amplifying these voices and driving collaborative efforts, we can create healthcare environments that prioritise dignity, safety, and quality care for everyone.

As we continue to push for improvements, let us remember that access to clean water, proper sanitation, and effective hygiene services is not a luxury but a human right.