Locals Praised for Building Pit Latrines to Combat Cholera
UNICEF and Oxfam are co-sponsoring the $156 million project in Nsanje and an adjoining district.
NSANJE, Malawi — Oxfam says it is impressed with the attitude of communities toward building pit latrines to stop open defecation and combat the further spread of cholera, according to the organization's cholera response project coordinator, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Delie Kumwenda said Thursday after visiting targeted areas in Senior Chief Tengani's region in Nsanje that the cholera response project was launched after it was discovered that most toilets were destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
Kumwenda said the destruction of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities forced locals to defecate in the open, triggering a cholera outbreak.
"We are promoting the construction of pit latrines at every house in ten group village headmen in Senior Chief Tengani's area, which translates to 23,000 people," Kumwenda said.
He said community involvement started at around 30% in 2023 but has now reached 99%.
"We are happy that people in these areas are following the messages being sent to them," he said.
Nsanje District Health and Social Services Director Dr. Gilbert Chapweteka praised Oxfam for responding to the disease, saying there are currently no active cholera cases in the district.
"What Oxfam is doing in the area is an important element to lead to having toilets and encouraging their use, which will help stop the spread of cholera," Chapweteka said.
He urged communities to build durable toilets.
UNICEF and Oxfam are co-sponsoring the $156 million project in Nsanje and an adjoining district.