Ministry commends sanitation programme

Chief director responsible for administration in the Ministry of Health Beston Chisamile has said the Open Defaecation Free (ODF) programmes being championed in various parts of the country are helpful in promoting development.

He said this on Friday in Chikwawa when he declared Traditional Authority Makhuwira ODF.

Chisamile said when an area is declared ODF, there is a reduction in waterborne diseases.

The ODF status was achieved with the support form Plan Malawi, Development Aid from People to People (Dapp), Water Supply and Sanitation Collaboration Council and Global Sanitation Fund in conjunction with the Ministry of Health.

“Issues of sanitation and hygiene are not only for the Ministry of Health, but rather for both government institutions and the development partners. You can see the partnership that is there between Government of Malawi, Dapp, Plan Malawi and other development partners,” he said.

In his remarks, Plan Malawi Wash programme manager Thoko Kaitane said ODF activities are yielding positive results.

“We are happy because we are contributing to the development of this country. We are aware that when people are not sick, they are able to participate in developmental works. We are also happy that Chikwawa is among those few districts to  attain the ODF ststus,” he said.

T/A Makhuwira said he will ensure that his subjects are following good hygiene to prevent waterborne diseases.

So far, 46 T/As out of 263 have been declared ODF in the ongoing sanitation and hygiene programme in the country. n