Only about 40 percent of Malawi’s population has access to at least basic sanitation services, with access remaining low in both rural and urban areas, new survey findings show.
Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation Charles Chilambula disclosed the figure on Thursday in Lilongwe during the launch of the Presidential Compact on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
Chilambula, who represented the Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi at the event, said most Malawians still lack access to improved sanitation facilities that are not shared with other households.
He cited findings from the 2024 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey, which show that access to at least basic sanitation stands at about 40 percent nationally.
Access remains low in both rural and urban areas, at approximately 40 percent and 44 percent, respectively, according to the survey.
“Behind these statistics are children attending schools without adequate sanitation facilities, as well as patients and health workers using facilities that may not have adequate sanitation,” Chilambula said.
Under the presidential compact, the government has set a target of increasing access to basic sanitation services from 40 percent in 2026 to 65 per cent by 2030.
Chilambula said sanitation needs greater attention as Malawi works towards achieving the objectives of the Compact.
“The Ministry therefore emphasises the importance of sanitation in achieving the objectives of this Compact, as the current situation continues to expose people to the health and environmental consequences of poor sanitation,” he said.
He described the launch of the Compact as a significant milestone in renewing Malawi’s commitment to improving the health, dignity, and well-being of its people.
Chilambula also called on stakeholders to change the way sanitation is approached and strengthen collective efforts towards achieving the country’s WASH targets.
Minister of Agriculture Roza Mbilizi, who was the guest of honour, called for a coordinated approach to WASH interventions.
Mbilizi said there should be one coordinated WASH programme in the country and warned against fragmented interventions.
She said stakeholders should work under a unified approach to ensure WASH interventions are coordinated, efficient, and impactful.
The Presidential Compact provides a framework for strengthened collaboration and renewed commitment towards improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services across Malawi.
