Mitigating NTDs with water and sanitation initiatives in Mozambique

The lack of safe drinking water not only accelerates the spread of endemic diseases but also heightens the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.  The once-abundant wells and underground water sources have either diminished significantly or completely dried up resulting in local communities using stagnant water sources or enduring long journeys to find other water sources.

During our visit to the Meluli River, we met Luzília, a 20-year-old who, due to the prolonged drought, dug small holes to collect water for household chores. She explained "obtaining water has become exceedingly difficult. Seven of us in my household rely solely on this water source”.

Initiatives For Sustainable Water Solutions

To tackle these issues, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in partnership with local authorities and communities, is implementing integrated water and sanitation initiatives in the area. The primary goal is to enhance living conditions and stop the spread of bilharzia and scabies, along with waterborne diseases, by promoting proper hygiene practices.

These initiatives encompass health education, resilience building, and adaptation strategies through rainwater harvesting infrastructure and the rehabilitation of traditional wells and boreholes. 

Eight safeguarded wells, each equipped with hand pump systems, stand as beacons of transformation within these communities. This vital initiative not only shields the communities from exposure to the bilharzia-causing worm but also promises a palpable enhancement in the overall quality of life. 

MSF has also been establishing water sources in closer proximity to these communities, eradicating the need for tough journeys in search of water. Recently, a spring catering to the daily needs of the Namacaro community in Nametil was successfully established. These sources are far more than just water outlets; they stand as symbols of hope for the population, paving the way for a future mitigation from the grip of neglected tropical diseases.

The new water source is not only bringing convenience but also safety and health to the Namacaro community. Clean and accessible water paves the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for everyone in the community.

Pioneering community-led water management

Beyond medical interventions for NTDs, MSF engages with the local water committees to build community resilience. These committees receive training and guidance on water conservation, source maintenance, and proper hygiene practices to ensure sustained and safe access to drinking water.

Empowering these committees is pivotal in overseeing, managing, and safeguarding water sources. The collaboration between MSF and local authorities and communities aims not only to secure water availability but also to empower those communities to efficiently manage these vital resources sustainably. 

In the meantime, Yahya foresees a challenging future for the district, anticipating escalating water crises due to the persistent droughts caused by climate change. "The wells and boreholes that once sustained the community year-round now last 5 or 6 months," he commented.

Mozambique ranks among the countries that are most vulnerable to the climate change. Since 2022, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams have been actively responding to climate-sensitive diseases in the Nampula province of Mozambique. The primary objective of our activities is to address the gaps in the healthcare system, in relation to neglected tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis, as well as vector-borne diseases like severe malaria and dengue.