Across rural communities in Rwanda, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services remains uneven. For persons with disabilities, the situation is more severe shaped by physical barriers, social stigma, and limited inclusive planning.
Basic hygiene practices such as handwashing and safe sanitation are critical in preventing diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and skin infections. Yet for many persons with disabilities, maintaining these practices is not always possible.
In rural areas, particularly in Huye District, where homes are scattered far from water sources, daily life presents constant challenges.
Jean Claude Semana, a young man with a physical disability from Karama Sector, recalls the struggle: “Fetching water used to take me more than two hours. Sometimes I gave up and used whatever water I could find nearbyeven if it wasn’t clean.”
Distance remains one of the biggest barriers. In many rural communities, clean water sources are located far from households. For individuals with mobility challenges, the journey can be exhausting or even impossible. While some depend on others, others resort to unsafe water putting their health at risk.
Sanitation facilities present another major challenge. Traditional pit latrines are rarely designed with accessibility in mind. Narrow entrances, slippery floors, and the absence of support structures make them unsafe for many users.
Claudine Mukashema, a resident of Mukura Sector, describes her experience: “I fear falling every time I try to use the toilet. Sometimes I avoid it completely, which is not good for my health.” Beyond physical barriers, access to hygiene education also remains limited. Awareness campaigns in rural areas often fail to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities.
Emmanuel Nyirishema, a visually impaired resident of Mukura Sector, explains: “People want to help, but they don’t always know how. We need guidance that includes us not just general advice.”
For women and girls with disabilities, the challenges are even more complex. Managing menstrual hygiene without privacy, proper facilities, or access to sanitary products can lead to infections and social exclusion.
“During my period, I used to stay inside for days. There was no safe place for me to manage my hygiene with dignity,” says Beatrice Mukangenzi from Mukura Sector.
Jean Pierre Niyitegeka, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Council of persons with Disabilities (NCPD), says hygiene for people with disabilities is part of a broader national agenda. “Hygiene for persons with disabilities goes hand in hand with the hygiene of all Rwandans. Services must reach everyone,” he explains.
While acknowledging progress in some public buildings, he notes that many facilities including toilets still lack accessibility features.
“When mindset changes, whether someone is building a private home or a public facility, they will automatically consider people with disabilities,” he said. “Persons with disabilities should not be isolated. Exclusion can lead to neglect, poor hygiene, and even worsening health conditions.” he adds.
Global data underscores the scale of the challenge. According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people about 15 percent of the global population live with disabilities. UNICEF reports that in developing countries, persons with disabilities are two to four times more likely to lack access to proper sanitation. The World Bank adds that they are twice as likely to lack access to adequate handwashing facilities.
In addition, more than 70 percent of wheelchair users cannot access buildings with stairs only, and nearly half of persons with disabilities cannot use toilets without assistance. These barriers contribute to increased disease risk, reduced independence, social exclusion, and limited access to education, healthcare, and employment.
Bwimba Christine, an Environmental Health Officer at Kabutare Hospital, emphasizes the urgency of inclusive infrastructure. “When new infrastructure is built without universal design, it limits independence and access to essential services like healthcare, education, and markets,” she says.
She warns that the consequences are significant: “Increased risk of diseases linked to poor hygiene, dehydration and related health complications, and inability to attend work or school regularly.”
Jean Pierre Niyitegeka, the Acting Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizes that achieving inclusive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs requires a shift in mindset. People should recognize that persons with disabilities are capable individuals who can contribute meaningfully to their families and society.
This change in perception is essential to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in the country’s development. He further explains that when society as a whole improves its attitudes and awareness, hygiene standards will also improve for persons with disabilities both at home and within their communities.
He adds that just as every Rwandan has the right to live in safety and good health, persons with disabilities should not be left behind in programs that promote well-bbeing. Recognizing the importance of hygiene for persons with disabilities is crucial, as it directly contributes to improving their quality of life.
