Malawi joins the world in marking Global Handwashing Day as the Ministry of Health and Sanitation reveals that only 12 percent of households have handwashing facilities.
In a statement, Principal Secretary (Administration) in the Ministry of Health Bestone Chisamile said the day was “a key reminder of the fundamental importance of hand hygiene in preventing disease, saving lives, and promoting overall public health.”
This year’s theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero,” urges individuals, families, schools, communities and government to make handwashing with soap a universal daily habit. The goal aligns with Malawi 2063, which envisions a prosperous, healthy and self-reliant nation, and with Sustainable Development Goal 6 target 2, which seeks access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all.
The government reaffirmed its commitment through the Presidential Compact on WASH and Executive Order Number 2, which requires functional sanitation and handwashing facilities in all public places and institutions. While awareness has improved, many markets, bus depots, schools and health facilities still lack durable stations with running water and soap.
The ministry called for accelerated installation and maintenance of facilities, stronger district strategies and funding, nationwide awareness campaigns, and partnerships to scale up low-cost solutions.
“No child should suffer from hygiene-related preventable diseases, and no public facility should operate without basic hand hygiene facilities,” the statement said.
Deputy Director of Sanitation and Hygiene Matthews Kalaya outlined the national targets and current coverage levels.
“The country is ensuring that 74 percent of households have handwashing facilities by 2030. Currently, access to water stands at about 72 percent while availability of toilets is at 46 percent. We need to make communities aware so they take immediate action and provide the facilities that will help address the gaps,” said Kalaya.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Media Forum Chairperson Meclina Chirwa agreed, urging communities to act on hygiene messages.
“To ensure that we advocate for handwashing facilities, we as media practitioners should enhance dissemination of such messages so that at least the markets, the schools or public places should embrace this good habit. However, most of these public amenities do not have handwashing facilities,” observed Chirwa.
The ministry urged all Malawians to practise proper handwashing at all times.
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