Water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges in last-mile artisanal mining communities in Ghana and Uganda.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is critical for public health but remains inadequate in marginalized areas, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa's artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities. Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in these settings face unique challenges that impact their health and wellbeing.

Objective

This study aimed to assess WASH access among adolescent girls and young women (aged 10-24) in last-mile ASM communities in Ghana and Uganda, identifying disparities and factors influencing access.

Methods

A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design was employed between March and May 2022 in selected ASM communities in Ghana and Uganda. The quantitative component included a sample of 1618 AGYW (808 in Ghana, 810 in Uganda)

SUBMITTER: Owiredu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12409807 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature