By Pemphero Mpho Musowa
Over two million people have been reached with a simple chlorine dispenser addressing critical health challenges in communities with limited access to clean water.
This has helped reduce waterborne diseases and improved economic opportunities.
Evidence Action which is implementing the initiative has installed 16,240 chlorine dispensers in eight districts; Blantyre rural, Chiradzulu, Neno, Zomba, Balaka, Machinga, Mwanza, and Mangochi.
The organisation is investing $2.9 million annually.
Evidence Action’s Program Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad said: “We have seen a significant decrease in the number of cases of diarrhoea, cholera, and other waterborne disease.
Muhammad emphasized the program’s benefits extend beyond health.
“By reducing illness, villagers can work more productively, and children attend school more consistently.”
Hollystone Maumsamatha Kafanikhale, National Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Coordinator commended the success of the chlorine dispenser initiative attributing it to partnership for the greater good.
Waterborne diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five according to Ministry of Health.
Statistics shows 34 percent of the population in Malawi lacks improved sanitation facilities.
World Health Organisation reports 844 million people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water.
