Nonprofit Boosts Water Access, Sanitation at Malawi Clinics
Nearly half the 18 million population still lacks access to basic water services, while around 85 percent live without adequate sanitation.
NTCHISI, Malawi — Thousands of people served by two rural health facilities in Malawi's Ntchisi district now have improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene thanks to upgraded infrastructure funded by the nonprofit WaterAid, writes Owen Nyaka.
WaterAid Malawi installed new solar-powered water systems, incinerators for medical waste disposal, and modern latrines at the Mndinda and Nthondo clinics through support from Italian nonprofit Acqua for Life, officials announced this week.
Program officer Laston Zungu said during a media tour Wednesday that the facilities previously suffered frequent water service disruptions due to dilapidated supply systems unable to meet demand, posing risks for patients.
"Sanitation facilities were in a state of disrepair and were often unsafe, with sewerage systems blocked, making the toilets non-functional," Zungu said.
"This situation was compounded by the lack of reliable water supply which made it difficult to keep toilels clean."
Contaminated medical waste disposal practices also threatened the surrounding communities before WaterAid intervened, according to Zungu. The new infrastructure includes 10,000-liter rainwater harvesting tanks, incinerators, lined pit latrines and upgraded placenta pits.
The organization aims to mobilize resources to improve water, sanitation and hygiene at 150 Malawian health centers through its "150 Health Care Facility Challenge" campaign.
Mndinda and Nthondo serve over 10,000 and 27,000 people respectively in the poor, agrarian district bordering Zambia.
Clinic staff and community leaders praised the upgrades.
But ground laborer Francisco Moses Folobati noted handwashing soap often runs low, hampering efforts to improve hygiene.
WaterAid Malawi has worked across the country for over three decades in line with the U.N. sustainable development goal for universal access to safe water and sanitation by 2030.
The nonprofit focuses especially on marginalized and rural areas where needs remain greatest.
Donors have directed over $50 million toward such efforts in Malawi since 1985, but systemic challenges persist.
Nearly half the 18 million population still lacks access to basic water services, while around 85 percent live without adequate sanitation.