WVM moves to strengthen water, sanitation sector

Malawi is intensifying efforts to achieve universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

World Vision Malawi has begun developing its 2026-2030 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Strategic Plan, aligning with the government’s vision for improved water and sanitation access across the country.

The plan was the focus of a two-day consultative workshop held in Lilongwe, bringing together key stakeholders, including government officials, non-governmental organizations, and development partners.

Charles Chimombo, Director of Operations at World Vision Malawi, emphasized that the strategy aims to address major challenges in the sector while ensuring its alignment with national priorities and local community needs.

“We have four strategic areas we are focusing on: increasing access to clean water and sanitation, improving the impact of our interventions, enhancing monitoring and evaluation for transparency, and promoting co-financing by working closely with various stakeholders,” said Chimombo.

World Vision Malawi’s previous strategic plan (2021-2025) successfully provided clean water access to over five million people and improved sanitation and hygiene for more than one million.

Chimombo expressed optimism that the new strategy would help expand these achievements and reach even more communities.

Despite these efforts, Malawi continues to face setbacks in sanitation and hygiene.

Peter Chipeta, Deputy Director of Water Supply at the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, highlighted challenges such as vandalism and lack of infrastructure ownership as key obstacles to sustainability.

“As a country, we are making progress, but we still need to improve in sanitation and hygiene behavior change. We also encourage stakeholders to engage in more collaborative meetings to enhance the impact of interventions,” Chipeta said.

The workshop also brought together organizations such as Save the Children and UNHCR, which are active in Malawi’s water and sanitation sector.

Their involvement underscores the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in achieving the country’s WASH goals.

With a renewed commitment and a strong strategic framework, Malawi aims to strengthen its water and sanitation sector, ensuring access to safe water and improved hygiene for all by 2030.