Tthe Reverend John Chilembwe Hospital in Phalombe is set to have improved access to safe drinking water after humanitarian organisation Isra Aid announced plans to install an advanced water purification system to improve hygiene at the facility.
The Nanofiltration Water Treatment Unit, to be provided through Isra Aid’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) Project, was demonstrated to hospital officials following the cholera outbreak in the district.
The technology produces high-quality drinking water at a rate of at least eight litres per minute while using less energy than conventional treatment systems. It is designed to remove bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, fluoride, pesticides and other contaminants that affect water quality.
Speaking during the demonstration at the district hospital on Wednesday, Isra Aid Wash project assistant Hope Msosa said the organisation remains committed to supporting the health sector by expanding access to safe drinking water.
“Our long-term partnership with the health sector has compelled us to support provision of clean water to people. We are ready to support with more machines since hospital officials have commended the idea,” he said.
Reverend John Chilembwe chief preventive health officer Blessings Chitsime described the intervention as timely, saying many communities in Phalombe continue to face serious challenges in accessing clean water.
“Most people are getting salty water from boreholes in addition to getting water from unclean water sources such as Njalo Island,” he said.
Chitsime said some of the district’s water supply challenges stem from the long-term effects of successive cyclones, including Cyclone Freddy, which damaged critical water infrastructure.
Phalombe district assistant community water supply and sanitation officer Manet Mtima said the technology is expected to benefit communities affected by cholera outbreaks and seasonal water contamination.
Isra Aid has been operating in Phalombe since March 2023 after deploying emergency response teams in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy and a severe cholera outbreak.
