B2 – Upper Intermediate
A new report from WHO and UNICEF finds that although over 100 countries are working to upgrade basic services in health care facilities (like water, sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and reliable electricity), billions of people still receive care in facilities lacking these essentials.
Read the article to know why the authors warn that without adequate infrastructure, health workers struggle to prevent infections and deliver safe care.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “roadmap” mean here, “While there is progress in establishing standards, conducting baseline assessments, and developing national roadmaps, billions are still served by facilities without the basics.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “baseline assessment” mean? “More than 80% of countries have implemented at least one national action, such as developing standards or conducting baseline assessments.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “scale up” mean? “National action is scaling up.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think some hospitals and clinics still don’t have clean water or electricity?
- How important is sanitation and hygiene in health care facilities?
- What could happen to patients if these basic services are missing?
- Who do you think should be responsible for improving health care facilities, governments, communities, or international groups?
- If you were a health worker, how would you feel working in a place without proper resources?