In the area of Traditional Authority Kachere, settled within the villages of Kachere and Fosa, a noteworthy transformation has taken root, reshaping the lives of communities once plagued by health challenges and nutritional deficiencies.
Not long ago, the lack of proper hand-washing facilities fostered an environment conducive to diseases, particularly among vulnerable groups like children and women, perpetuating a cycle of illness and malnutrition.
Recognizing this dire need for change, the Youth Initiative for Community Development (YICOD) rallied support from BMZ through WHH in collaboration with Tilitonse Foundation and CISANET, whose collective vision birthed the "Improving Nutrition and Health of Women through Integrated Food Security and WASH" project in Dedza, specifically targeting T/A Kachere.
One of the pivotal strategies within this initiative was providing technical expertise on constructing locally termed "Mpondagiya," hand-washing facilities, to cluster leaders and promoters from areas of group village heads, Kachere and Fosa respectively.
"The provision of adequate WASH facilities is a crucial step towards breaking the cycle of disease transmission," emphasized Anold Kumundayayi, a health promoter in the area. "This initiative has empowered our communities to prioritize hygiene practices as a cornerstone of health."
The response from the communities was nothing short of enthusiastic as they swiftly grasped the vital link between proper hygiene and disease prevention, realizing its impact on nutrition and health.
A remarkable transformation has unfolded as beneficiaries from Fosa and Kachere GVH have embraced a newfound understanding of proper hygiene and sanitation, significantly elevating their quality of life, that is according to Chisomo Madzedze, the project associate.
“The incidence of waterborne diseases, especially among children and women, has markedly decreased. This shift has not only safeguarded them from infections but has also laid the groundwork for an improvement in overall nutrition.
"The tangible improvements in health and hygiene practices among our people are a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative efforts. Empowering communities with knowledge and resources has been the cornerstone of our success," said Madzedze.
She added that the once-struggling families now witness an evident positive impact on their health and well-being.
“The project's success story is a testament to the transformative power of simple yet essential interventions as through the implementation of proper hand-washing facilities and the promotion of hygiene practices, these communities have embarked on a journey towards healthier, more resilient livelihoods,” she said.
As the villagers of Kachere and Fosa bask in improved health, diminished illness, and enhanced nutrition, the story of their transformation stands as an inspiring example of how concerted efforts toward hygiene and health can create lasting positive change in the lives of communities.
