Zambia pledge to eliminate open defecation by 2025

Currently, 33 per cent of the population use a basic sanitation service (41 per cent in urban areas, 28 per cent in rural areas), Zambia from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) https://www.unicef.org/zambia/reports/zambia-demographic-and-health-survey-2013-2014

The government aims to declare at least five chiefdoms free from open defecation each year.

According to National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) Water Supply and Sector Report 2023, efforts have been made in water and sanitation coverage with 249,193 and 274,714 more people accessing water and sanitation services respectively. This was as a result of the increase in the number of new domestic water supply and sanitation connections made in the year.

The Macha chiefdom in Choma District, Southern Province, was the first in Zambia to achieve and verify its open defecation free (ODF) status. This success set the tone for a campaign that has seen 66 out of 288 chiefdoms, including eight in Northwestern province, achieving ODF status.

Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu

Picture by WVZ

The government aims to achieve ODF status in all chiefdoms by 2030. This initiative seeks to prevent disease outbreaks like cholera and promote dignified sanitation practices.

During the celebration of Chibwika Chiefdom's ODF status in Mwinilunga district, Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu, emphasized the importance of achieving ODF status.

He highlighted the need to curb deadly diseases and promote safe waste disposal.

To meet the 2030 target, five chiefdoms need to achieve ODF status annually. Mr. Nzovu called on stakeholders to support the government in providing adequate water and sanitation services.

He acknowledged the contributions of World Vision Zambia and UNICEF.

"Lack of access to hygienic toilets and handwashing facilities exposes individuals to preventable, faecal-transmitted diseases," he said.

Mr. Nzovu stressed the need for equitable access to improved sanitation in the post-2015 development agenda.

He emphasized that sanitation and hygiene are vital for global health and social and economic development.

Mr. Nzovu emphasized the importance of discussing defecation openly to ensure the health, safety, and dignity of individuals when open defecation is eradicated.

Access to clean water and sanitation services is enshrined in key policies, development plans, and strategies.

World Vision Zambia has provided sanitation services and facilities benefiting 7,650 children in Mwinilunga. We acknowledge the significance of partnerships and community involvement in achieving our goal. We express gratitude to our partners, UNICEF and World Vision, for their invaluable support.

"Let us continue to work together to maintain this accomplishment and strive for 100% coverage in our province. It is our responsibility to ensure a clean and sanitary environment for ourselves, our children, and future generations,"

Senior Chief Nalubamba from Namwala district has commended Chibwika Chiefdom for achieving ODF status and expressed a desire to learn best practices for his own chiefdom.

With Zambia's population currently standing at approximately 20 million people, most children were using the bush as a restroom.

During my visit to Rufunsa District in Lusaka Province, I discovered that most children were defecating outside near their family's homes.

"We didn't have a latrine at our house. Many children, even older people, did that," said Mercy Mulenga, a mother of six children.

Mulenga, 49, a member of the community group called Chingwilizano Women Group, explained that basic toilet etiquette in the area lacks enforcement.

As a group, we actively involve community leaders and influencers in our discussions. Their support and commitment are crucial for driving behavior change and sustaining sanitation initiatives at the grassroots level," said Mulenga.

We are committed to working closely with field facilitators and community leaders to address identified gaps and expedite progress towards our sanitation goals.

"It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every community in Rufunsa District has access to safe and dignified sanitation facilities. Together, we can achieve Open Defecation Free status and promote healthier, more sustainable communities," she added.

The Government, through the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation, and Environmental Protection, launched the first-ever National Open Defecation Free Strategy. This strategy aims to provide a roadmap for a multi-sectoral approach in addressing sanitation challenges in Zambia.

Ending the practice of open defecation and promoting the use of toilets will have "transformational benefits" for some of the world's most vulnerable people, according to the UN's sanitation partner, the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC).

WVZ Senior Programmes Manager Charles Phiri

Picture by WVZ 

In a speech read on his behalf by Senior Programmes Manager Charles Phiri, Marc Nosbach, the National Director of World Vision Zambia, emphasized the organization's belief that every person should have access to adequate and sustainable sanitation services.

Mr. Nosbach explained that World Vision has expanded the provision of sanitation services by supplying standard facilities, such as toilets, which meet the specific needs of women, girls, and people with disabilities in communities, schools, and healthcare facilities.

He stated that the organization's various sanitation interventions are directly benefiting 7,650 children in nine wards of Mwinilunga.

He also expressed World Vision's pride in being involved in the successful attainment of the ODF status by Chibwika Chiefdom. This has had a positive impact on 4,101 households across 137 villages in the chiefdom.

“World Vision Zambia's strategic goal from 2021-2025 is to contribute to the sustained well-being of 1,500,000 children, particularly the most vulnerable, by working closely with children, families, communities, and partners. our efforts are rooted in a collaborative approach that emphasizes the importance of partnerships at all levels,” he said.

He addressed the communities of Chibwika Chiefdom, expressing his utmost admiration and respect.

“This ODF celebration is a significant milestone for the 137 villages that make up this chiefdom, and for the 4,101 households that have played a crucial role in reaching this goal. This evidence to the hard work, commitment, and perseverance of each one of you. Together, you have demonstrated that when communities come together with a shared vision, great things are possible”, he added.

“To the communities of Chibwika chiefdom I want to express my deepest admiration and respect, you are the true heroes of this achievement, you have embraced the principles of hygiene and sanitation,” he said.

“At world vision zambia, we are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), particularly SDG 6, which calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. the progress we have collectively made in chief chibwika chiefdom is a shining example of how we can work towards achieving this global goal. By eliminating Open Defecation, you have taken a significant step towards improving public health, reducing the spread of disease, and creating a safer and more dignified environment for everyone, especially for our children”, he said.

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