How Clean Water Saves lives in African Health Centers

After a tiring day at the Alero Health Center III in Uganda, Awor Stella, was resting in the sleeping quarters. Little did she know that this evening would take a turn and become another example of how clean water saves lives in African hospitals. Awor works as the resident midwife at the facility. It was 2am, and outside she could hear voices that sounded like they were coming closer. When she heard her name being called, she instinctively jumped up, realizing what was needed.

She thought back to several hours earlier in the day. Awor had washed down the delivery bed and cleaned all of the equipment using up the last of the facility’s water. She knew tomorrow would be another busy day and had planned on being ready in advance. What she had not anticipated was an emergency late-night delivery. 

An African Hospital Operating Without Clean Water

January in Uganda falls in the middle of a dry season, and this year was particularly dry. The Alero Health Center III did not have its own source of clean water. It did have a rainwater harvesting tank, but the extreme weather left it arid and empty. This meant health center staff to collect water from local sources every morning before work. The local sources were predominantly hand-dug wells, locally referred to as unprotected springs. While these wells produced water, it was groundwater that was neither clean nor safe.  But it was often the only water available.

“I was lucky that I had cleaned the equipment and delivery bed, but not so lucky in that more clean water would still be needed after the delivery,” explained Awor. Awor knew she would have  to act fast. She collected all of the water she had in her home and brought it to the delivery room. It was late and dark outside, which made the idea of walking to the nearest well out of the question. That would be too dangerous for her at this time of night.

How a Midwife’s Quick Thinking Saves a Newborn Baby

Awor shook her head and explained how common this situation was for midwives in East Africa, where so many health centers lack access to clean water.  “Health facility workers often go to the local residents to ask them for water in an emergency” she explained. It is not a safe or sustainable situation, and it often results in needless deaths.  

With fatigue showing on her face, Awor has asked if Drop In The Bucket would drill a well for her health center. She knows we helped other facilities in the region.  With clean water the health center would be able to help children like Lagum Prossy, the community’s newest member. Although Lagum’s first moments were challenging that early January morning, we are happy to say she made it – thanks to Awor Stella and the staff at the Alero Health Center III. 

Now we just need to get them clean water.