WaterAid Malawi says there is a need to intensify efforts aimed at addressing sanitation gaps, saying the country is currently not doing enough to ensure improved sanitation for human capital development.
The call comes as Malawi joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Toilet Day, which was marked on Wednesday in Lilongwe under the theme “Sanitation in a Changing World: We’ll Always Need a Toilet.”
Speaking during the event, WaterAid Malawi Country Director Peter Phiri said collective efforts are needed to raise awareness on improved hygiene and urged communities to remain committed to investing in their own sanitation and adopting technologies that enhance access to better facilities.
Phiri further disclosed that World Toilet Day plays a significant role in advancing WaterAid’s vision for proper sanitation, which ensures that everyone has access to clean water and decent toilets while preserving dignity and preventing diseases associated with poor hygiene.
In his remarks, Deputy Director for Sanitation and Hygiene in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Mathews Kalaya, acknowledged that access to proper sanitation remains a major challenge, hence the need for stronger commitment and innovative ideas, particularly from young people.
On his part, James Robertson who is UNICEF Malawi’s Head of WASH, also encouraged Malawians to continue investing in sanitation, saying the youth are central to driving innovation and the available resources must be leveraged for improved hygiene services.
Responding to the call, Omega Misomali from the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), who attended the event, said innovations from young people will be crucial in developing solutions that support improved sanitation and align with the Malawi 2063 Vision.
Current statistics show that Malawi is still lagging behind, with safely managed sanitation coverage at around 46%, below the Mid-Term Implementation Plan target of 74% and hand-washing facility coverage also remains at 46%, against the 75% target.
The event attracted young scholars from various higher learning institutions, including the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mzuzu University, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Share World University, the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), the University of Lilongwe, and Exploits University, all gathered to raise awareness on improved sanitation.
