Bukola Afeni
The Executive Secretary of the Pan African Association of Sanitation Actors (PASA), Mr. Kitch Bawa, has stressed the need for African countries to prioritize sanitation and hygiene.
While speaking to Africa Media Practitioners, Bawa noted that PASA is working in 25 countries to strengthen the sanitation value chain across Africa.
“We are committed to improving sanitation services and advocating for the training of sanitation and health workers,” he said.
The Executive Secretary also hinted Journalists about the 1 City- 1 FSTP Initiative of PASA which will be launched in Kampala Uganda, during the Mayor’s and Local Authorities Forum at the AFWASA Congress on 18th February.
He expressed concern over the poor management of fecal sludge treatment plants in some African countries, which poses significant health risks to individuals and communities at large.
Bawa highlighted the need for sanitation facilities to be resilient to climate change.
Furthermore, he emphasized the urgency of reducing open defecation in Africa, citing alarming data. However, he assured that PASA is working tirelessly to address this challenge.
“We aim to improve the overall health and wellbeing of African communities, we want media to propagate the importance of prioritizing sanitation and hygiene in Africa’s development agenda”, he said.
The Director of Programs at The African Water and Sanitation Association (AFWASA) Dr Simeon Kenfack emphasized the need for African countries to prioritize sanitation supervision at all levels.
According to Dr. Kenfack, AFWASA is working closely with various countries to improve sanitation outcomes. Citing Senegal as a model, he revealed that the organization is mentoring five other countries to replicate the West African nation’s success.
In a bid to amplify the impact of their efforts, AFWASA has expressed its willingness to collaborate with media practitioners.
Dr. Kenfack acknowledged the crucial role journalists play in advocacy.
“We know that journalists are important partners in advocacy programs, and we are willing to work with them to improve sanitation outcomes in Africa.”
As AFWASA continues to tackle the pressing issue of sanitation, Dr. Kenfack underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that “sanitation is a public health issue, and we are working hard to address this issue in Africa.”
