On Tuesday, Malawi Government launched implementation plan for Executive Order No. 2 of 2026 on sanitation and hygiene.
According to Malawi government this is a landmark directive aimed at strengthening public health standards across the country.
Among others, the order mandates that all public places including markets and bus depots must provide and maintain proper waste disposal.
It also requires that all schools and workplaces, both private and public ensure the availability and maintenance of sanitation and waste management facilities within and around the premises.
Reacting to the development, Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) says there is need for sustained financing for sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and services.
MHEN Executive Director George Jobe says the order underscores the urgency of addressing sanitation and hygiene gaps that contribute to waterborne diseases.
"The move has cement the seriousness of the directive and demonstrates the political will behind it ",said Jobe.
He has therefore asked government to engage the community and behaviour change initiatives to promote proper sanitation practices as well as strong monitoring and evaluation systems.
"What we need is capacity building and strong accountability mechanisms to ensure that the policy translate into real measurable improvements on the ground",he added.
The launch aimed at giving an opportunity to significantly reduce the burden of sanitation-related diseases and advance health equity in Malawi
