By Ousman Kaliati
The Ministry of Health has said it is committed to promoting environmental health, describing it as key to the prevention of diseases. It says, for this reason, it is implementing programmes, as outlined in Health Sector Strategic Plan, especially pillar two.
Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo said this during the opening of the 2025 Malawi Environmental Health Association conference and annual general meeting, which were held in Salima District.
“The ministry is making progress on the climate and health nexus, where the ministry is recognising the health impacts of climate change.
“We, as a ministry, are making positive strides in food safety, water, sanitation and hygiene, national pandemic and disaster preparedness and response. We are also strengthening community health systems and health promotion,” Mndolo said.
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He added that the ministry was aware of the importance of collaboration. Outgoing chairperson for Malawi Environment Association Save Kumwenda said there was a need to intensify efforts aimed at controlling wastes. “Rapid urbanisation is a contributing factor to waste accumulation.
The growing number of people in cities is affecting waste management and collection disposal,” Kumwenda said.
He said there was also a need to protect water facilities as a disease preventative measure. The conference, which also involved the election of new leaders, was conducted under the theme ‘Uniting Preventive Health Discipline for Environmental Health Action’ and attracted participants from Zambia and South Africa.
