Assessment of the Impact of Water Supply and Sanitation on Health: A Study in the Savelegu/Nantong District of the Northern Region, Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the health implications of inadequate water supply and sanitation in the Savelegu/Naton District in the Northern Region of Ghana. A sample of 200 respondents was drawn from eight communities in the district using a systematic random sampling technique. Data collection tools were questionnaires, personal observation, interviews and focus groups discussions. The research found that, inadequate water supply and sanitation, together with socio-economic and cultural conditions, robbed the people of Savelegu/Nanton District of good health. Diseases associated with water and sanitation still top the top ten causes of morbidity and mortality. A Chi-square analysis shows a significant association between water and sources and guinea worm and diarrhea. Skin diseases were however found to be associated with inadequate water for personal hygiene. The research reveals that inadequate provision of portable water and safe disposal of excreta and other waste are fundamental to reducing the myriad of health problems that the people in the district are saddled with. This must however, be supported with vigorous public health education programme. For the success of water and sanitation programmes an integrated approach involving poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and basic education, health care and widening job creation is recommended.