We talk to Smorden Tomoka, United Purpose’s WASH Program Manager based in Malawi. As one of our most experienced WASH professionals, we were grateful to get his perspective on the impact of COVID-19 in one of the world’s poorest countries.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, tell us about some of the main challenges that the communities UP works with in Malawi are facing.
The COVID-19 pandemic is quite possibly the greatest challenge we have faced ever as a global community in our recent history. Since its emergence, cases have been rising in many countries including Malawi, which now stands at 455 and 4 deaths. Whilst the case load is still low that’s highly likely to increase because of limited capacity to test COVID-19 and a weak health system. Moreover, only 39% of Malawians access adequate sanitation. Worse still, less than 10% wash hands with soap at critical times. These factors are a catalyst for transmission of Coronavirus. Border closures, quarantines, markets disruptions risk restricting vulnerable communities’ access to sufficient and nutritious sources of food, especially as Malawi is affected by high levels of food insecurity.
How is UP working alongside the communities to help them become more resilient?
UP became one of the first to respond in supporting Government efforts to reduce the transmission of the virus by strengthening WASH services in five treatment units, risk communication and tackling misinformation. With UK AID funding through UNICEF, UP is implementing emergency WASH interventions ensuring that emergency units and surrounding communities have adequate WASH services reaching over 200,000 people. We have adapted on-going projects in 18 districts, redirected funds towards COVID -19 preparedness with donor approval. COVID-19 reprogrammed activities include awareness raising tackling misinformation and WASH supplies such as soaps, buckets and disinfectants. In an effort to help communities build resilience, UP is also providing household farm support in the form of seeds and fertilizer to improve food security through backyard gardens.
On a personal level, what inspires and motivates you in your role as WASH program manager?
My 14 years’ experience in managing WASH interventions is driven by passion to serve vulnerable communities and to support them to live healthier lives through improved WASH services. As a WASH Program Manager, I am privileged to fulfil my calling to serve and save lives by ensuring the first line of defence interventions are properly implemented to prevent infectious diseases including COVID-19. As a way of leading by example, I and my wife (a nurse) briefed family members about COVID-19 symptoms and prevention measures. I am happily married to Kate and together we have three children.