ODF campaign gaining ground in Kasungu

Efforts by World Vision Malawi (WVM) and Concern Universal in traditional authorities (T/As) Chulu and Kawamba have helped to attain open defecation free (ODF) status.

The two T/As join over 30 others nationwide who have also attained the status.

T/A Chulu said the area had problems in sanitation such that waterborne diseases were order of the day.

“There were unhygienic practices because many households had no toilets and were relieving themselves in the bush, a situation that caused many people to contract diseases,” he said.

WVM deputy national director Charles Chimombo said the organisation started providing water, sanitation and hygeine (Wash) programme in 2011 and people have learnt a lot.

“The programme has helped to bring water to the people through boreholes. We have also constructed toilets and helped the community to adopt good hygienic practices,” he said.

At Kawamba, Concern Universal has also  been implementing Wash activities which have improved lives of many people.

“There has been a reduction in waterborne diseases as the people have adopted good hygienic practices,” said Concern Universal Wash coordinator Smorden Tomoka.

Chief director in the Ministry of Health Chimwemwe Banda hailed the efforts by the two organisations which, she said, has helped to ensure that people are healthy.

The country wants to reach ODF status for all the T/As by 2019. n