Deliver Life to Mothers, Girls and Children in the Southern Region of Malawi II Project in communities, health care facilities and early childhood development centres (ECDCS) is being implemented in 2 districts of Zomba (under two Traditional Authorities Chikowi and Mwambo) and Machinga (under three Traditional Authorities Chikwewo, Nyambi and Kawinga) reaching out to 141,000 women, girls, and children.

Newly built toilet block, Chikweo Health Centre, Machinga, Malawi, December, 2021.
Newly built toilet block, Chikweo Health Centre, Machinga, Malawi, December, 2021.
Image: WaterAid/ Francis Chipanda

In order to sustain and elevate the interest of government in WASH and Health, Deliver Life II Project conducts engagement meetings with duty bearers to raise the profile of WASH, influence the inclusion of the minimum WASH standards in ECDC and prioritization of WASH in the District Sector Implementation Plans. These engagements further profile the prominence of WASH in Health Sector Plans and budgets at National and District Level(s). This translates to improved WASH services in health care facilities, in ECDCs and communities.

Children enjoying their porridge at Mzenene Early Childhood Devenlopment Centre, Zomba, Malawi, July, 2019.
Children enjoying their porridge at Mzenene Early Childhood Devenlopment Centre, Zomba, Malawi, July, 2019.
Image: WaterAid/ Dennis Lupenga

In Zomba, nine (9) ECDCs: Tiyanjane, Mtondoko, Chidikha, Tikondane, Ngwalangwa Binali, Mzenene, Chiyembekezo, Takondwa and Khola are targeted where 13 improved and inclusive sanitation facilities were constructed to improve the access to improved WASH services thereby contributing to achievement of SDG 3 on good health and well-being, SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 6 on availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The child-friendly infrastructures include learners’ toilets, bathrooms, adult (care givers/teachers) toilets, handwashing facilities, eating bay, dish washing and drying stations.

Newly constructed water tanks at Chikwewo Health Centre in Machinga.
Newly constructed water tanks at Chikwewo Health Centre in Machinga.
Image: WaterAid / Ulemu Mbengwani

In Machinga, 4 health care facilities, Chikweo, Kawinga, Ntaja and Nyambi were targeted for the improved WASH Infrastructure. These four facilities are serving a population of 269,242 people who utilize the HCFs, of which 148,083 are females and 121,159 males.

Amidst the Public Health Emergencies such as COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclones Ana and Idai, the Deliver Life II Project made some significant contributions towards the improved access to clean water, safely managed sanitation and improved hygiene in Early Childhood Development Centres, Healthcare Facilities and over 40 surrounding communities in the 2 districts of Zomba and Machinga in Malawi.

Some of the contributions registered are:

  1. 224,965 people gained access to safely managed, improved and inclusive sanitation
  2. 25,664 sanitation facilities constructed by households in targeted communities.
  3. 257 additional villages are now open defecation free in Zomba and Machinga District
  4. 17 duty bearer-initiated community engagement and feedback sessions conducted by the project in Zomba and Machinga districts 
  5. 36 publications (advocacy briefs, newspaper articles, video documentaries printed reports) for advocacy disseminated by the project
  6. A guideline that outlines WASH ECDC standards developed with inputs from multiple stakeholders at various levels with support from the project
  7. 63 water points have been constructed or rehabilitated providing improved access to clean drinking water to over 24,000 people in Machinga and Zomba Districts.
  8. Reached 55,047 women and adolescent girls in targeted communities with WASH and MNCH rights messages by the project at least twice in Zomba and Machinga districts leading to 3,767 women and adolescent girls in targeted communities that actively engaging with duty bearers on their WASH and MNCH rights in Zomba and Machinga districts