Comprehensive Review: Impact of Poor Sanitation on Diarrheal Diseases in Rural Uganda

Fabiola Mwendwa G.

School of Applied Health Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diarrheal diseases remain a significant public health challenge in rural Uganda, primarily driven by poor sanitation conditions. These diseases, predominantly affecting children under five, are caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections often transmitted through contaminated food and water. Despite global efforts to improve sanitation through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs and initiatives, many rural Ugandan communities still lack access to safe water, proper sewage disposal, and hygiene facilities. This review examines the underlying causes of poor sanitation in rural Uganda, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural norms, and explores their direct links to the high prevalence of diarrheal diseases. Vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are disproportionately affected. Economic constraints, lack of awareness, and insufficient government investment exacerbate the situation. This review also evaluates various interventions, including community-driven sanitation programs, infrastructure improvements, and public health campaigns, which are crucial for mitigating the impact of diarrheal diseases. Addressing this issue through a multi-faceted approach is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality and improving the health and well-being of rural Ugandan populations.

Keywords: Diarrheal diseases, rural Uganda, poor sanitation, water contamination, hygiene practices, WASH programs.

CITE AS: Fabiola Mwendwa G. (2025). Comprehensive Review: Impact of Poor Sanitation on Diarrheal Diseases in Rural Uganda. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science 5(1):50-54. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJBAS/2025/515054