In Ntchisi District, Malawi, Chinguluwe Health Centre serves a large catchment area of almost 26,000 people and sees more than 250 patients each day. The facility previously faced severe water shortages, with staff, patients, and the surrounding community relying on a single borehole with infrequent water supply.These conditions made basic hygiene and infection prevention extremely difficult.
In response, WaterAid worked with the community and local partners to install a solar-powered water supply system was to provide consistent access to water. This intervention ensured that clean water was available at critical points of care, including in delivery rooms, enabling safer childbirth and better hygiene for patients and staff alike. For women like Margeret, a mother of four who has delivered all her children at Chinguluwe, the difference has been significant. Water is now readily available during labour, and health workers can focus on delivering quality care.