Chitipa District Council, in collaboration with the Malawi Police Service (MPS), market vendors, YONECO, and other civil society organizations (CSOs), conducted a town-wide clean-up exercise on 9 September 2026 aimed at promoting hygiene and sanitation in Chitipa Town.
The initiative comes at a critical time, as the district has recently registered a cholera case, raising concerns about public health and the need for preventive action. The clean-up focused on high-traffic areas, particularly markets, which are considered vulnerable points for the spread of waterborne diseases if hygiene standards are not upheld.
In addition to the physical clean-up, the exercise incorporated strong health education components. More than 1,500 market users were reached through face-to-face engagement sessions and mobile public messaging. The messages emphasized proper food handling practices, safe waste disposal, and the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent the spread of cholera and other communicable diseases.
Speaking during the event, the Chairperson of Chitipa District Council, who presided over the exercise, commended the high turnout and level of collaboration among stakeholders. He noted that the joint effort demonstrated a shared commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that Chitipa Town remains clean and safe for all residents.
The Council has since called on communities, traders, and institutions to sustain good sanitation practices beyond the exercise, stressing that collective responsibility is key to preventing cholera outbreaks and protecting lives.
