Understanding the WASH Response to COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Africa: Malawi Case Study

In February 2020, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) tasked the Water for Africa through Leadership and Institutional Support (WALIS) Program to investigate the coordination, finance, monitoring, and organizational capacity influencing the WASH response to the pandemic. This study aimed to provide valuable information on the critical WASH responses undertaken by African country leaders during the pandemic, the decision-making processes, the degree to which evidence informed those decisions, and the lessons that can be drawn to inform a better response to future crises and build back better. The study focused on Malawi as a case study, examining the WASH response to COVID-19 from February 2020 to July 2021. The research questions guiding the study were: What official acts were effectively employed by governments and utilities to respond to the COVID-19 crisis? What other measures have governments, utilities, and other African WASH organizations used to respond to the COVID-19 crisis? And, why were these official acts and other measures effective or perceived to be effective in the response to the COVID-19 crisis and how could they be leveraged to support a better response to future crises and to build back better? The study found that the Malawian government employed various official acts to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, including the establishment of a National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) to coordinate the response, the deployment of Water Monitoring Assistants (WMAs) to monitor water quality, and the provision of emergency funding to support WASH activities. The government also implemented measures to increase access to water and sanitation, including the installation of handwashing facilities and the distribution of water treatment tablets. The study also identified other measures used by governments, utilities, and other African WASH organizations to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, including the provision of hygiene promotion and education, the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the implementation of community-based WASH programs. The study found that these measures were effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and improving WASH outcomes, particularly in areas with high levels of poverty and limited access to basic services. The study highlighted the importance of coordination, finance, monitoring, and organizational capacity in the WASH response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that effective coordination between government agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders was critical in ensuring a rapid and effective response to the crisis. The study also found that adequate financing was essential to support WASH activities, particularly in areas with limited resources. The study concluded that the WASH response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi was effective in reducing the spread of the disease and improving WASH outcomes. However, the study also identified areas for improvement, including the need for more effective coordination between government agencies and utilities, the need for increased funding to support WASH activities, and the need for more effective monitoring and evaluation of WASH programs. The study's findings have implications for the WASH response to future crises and for building back better. The study highlights the importance of effective coordination, adequate financing, and robust monitoring and evaluation in ensuring a rapid and effective WASH response to crises. The study also emphasizes the need for more effective engagement with communities and the need for more inclusive and participatory approaches to WASH programming. The study's recommendations include the need for governments and utilities to strengthen their coordination and collaboration, the need for increased funding to support WASH activities, and the need for more effective monitoring and evaluation of WASH programs. The study also recommends the need for more effective engagement with communities and the need for more inclusive and participatory approaches to WASH programming. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the WASH response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi and highlights the importance of effective coordination, adequate financing, and robust monitoring and evaluation in ensuring a rapid and effective WASH response to crises. The study's findings have implications for the WASH response to future crises and for building back better.