The Executive Secretary of the Pan-African Association of Sanitation Actors (PASA), Mr. Kitch Bawa, has urged African nations to place greater emphasis on improving sanitation and hygiene. Speaking during a virtual session with African media professionals on Saturday, Bawa highlighted PASA’s initiatives in 25 countries aimed at enhancing sanitation services across the continent.
Bawa stressed the urgent need for improved waste management systems, underscoring PASA’s commitment to strengthening sanitation infrastructure and providing training for health and sanitation workers. He also announced the upcoming launch of the One City, One Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) Initiative, which is set to be introduced in Kampala, Uganda, during the Mayors and Local Authorities Forum at the African Water and Sanitation Association (AFWASA) Congress on February 18.
Expressing concern over the poor management of fecal sludge treatment facilities in multiple African nations, Bawa warned that inadequate infrastructure poses significant health risks to communities. He advocated for the development of climate-resilient sanitation systems to ensure long-term sustainability and public health security.
Addressing the widespread issue of open defecation, Bawa shared alarming statistics reflecting the gravity of the challenge. He reassured that PASA remains committed to combating this issue by working collaboratively with stakeholders.
“Our mission is to enhance public health and improve the quality of life in African communities. We urge the media to actively promote awareness about the crucial role of sanitation and hygiene in the continent’s development,” Bawa stated.
Dr. Simeon Kenfack, Director of Programmes at AFWASA, emphasized the necessity of stronger sanitation policies and improved regulatory oversight. He highlighted AFWASA’s efforts in partnering with several countries to advance sanitation services, pointing to Senegal as a successful model.
Kenfack revealed that AFWASA is currently mentoring five other countries to replicate Senegal’s effective sanitation strategies. He also noted that the organization is committed to working closely with media professionals to drive advocacy and public awareness on sanitation-related issues.
“Journalists play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions. We are eager to collaborate with them to enhance sanitation conditions across Africa,” Kenfack stated.
He reiterated that sanitation is a pressing public health concern requiring immediate and sustained action, reaffirming AFWASA’s dedication to achieving meaningful progress in this sector.
Findings from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (JMP), along with the UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking Water, underscore the critical state of sanitation in Africa. A survey covering all 55 African Union member states between 2000 and 2022 revealed that only 31% of the population had access to safely managed sanitation services, while just 28% had access to basic hygiene by 2022.
Alarmingly, approximately 779 million people still lack basic sanitation, with an estimated 208 million individuals continuing to practice open defecation, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and investment in sanitation infrastructure across the continent.
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