In Malawi, a new solar-powered water system funded by the CERF has greatly improved access to clean water amidst severe drought. This initiative benefits women and children, enhances healthcare, and saves time spent fetching water. As food insecurity rises, the initiative underscores the importance of clean water in maintaining health and improving quality of life.
The introduction of a solar-powered water system in Liwonde, Malawi, funded by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and implemented by UNICEF, has significantly improved access to clean water, particularly benefiting women and children. “The arrival of clean, reliable water has been a blessing for us,” states Dyman Saidi, chairperson of the local water system, highlighting the drastic improvement since they previously relied on unsafe water from the Masanje river.
In March 2024, Malawi faced severe drought conditions, leading to the declaration of a State of Disaster in 23 of its 28 districts. With about 4.2 million people experiencing food insecurity, the situation is expected to deteriorate further into 2025 due to factors such as poverty and inadequate access to basic services. To combat these issues, the UN allocated $4.6 million from CERF to assist nearly 280,000 individuals with essential needs including food, health, education, nutrition, and water and sanitation services.
The location of the new water source at the health clinic encourages community members to seek necessary health check-ups. Moses Mphatso, a health surveillance assistant, notes the system’s positive influence on sanitation, stating, “The new system has made it easier for us to provide proper care.” The availability of clean water allows for better hygiene practices, essential for patient care, particularly for mothers and infants.
Emily, a young mother, expresses her growing confidence in medical services due to the health center’s access to clean water. “Knowing that the health centre has clean water makes me feel more confident, especially when I need medical services.” Additionally, this innovation has streamlined daily water collection tasks, enabling women to devote time to other important responsibilities. “I used to spend hours fetching water, but now I have more time for other tasks,” she remarks.
The introduction of clean water systems in Malawi has significantly improved public health and access to essential services in drought-affected regions. With the support from CERF, the new solar-powered water system not only meets the immediate needs of the community but also enhances healthcare delivery and personal well-being among residents. This vital initiative highlights the importance of reliable water resources in combating food insecurity and health risks, particularly during challenging climatic conditions. Overall, such efforts are critical in fostering resilience in vulnerable populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
