Governments across Southern Africa have moved to fortify the region’s public health defences against escalating environmental shocks, co-developing a landmark $18.6 million proposal to climate-proof water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems.
The initiative, spearheaded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and technical teams from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, seeks to address the converging threats of floods, droughts, and rising temperatures that have increasingly compromised regional water security.
At a high-level regional workshop held in Lusaka, delegates finalised a comprehensive concept note for submission to the Adaptation Fund. The project represents a strategic shift toward proactive climate adaptation, focusing on a three-pillar framework: the deployment of early warning systems for water-related disease outbreaks, the construction of resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather, and the scaling of institutional capacity to manage climate-induced health risks.
The urgency of the intervention is underscored by the recurring cholera outbreaks and infrastructure damage that have hampered development gains in the four nations.
“Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity,” stated Dr. Jeremiah Mushosho, WHO Africa Regional Team Lead for Climate Change. “By investing in climate-resilient WASH systems, we are not only reducing waterborne disease risks but also safeguarding health equity for millions of families across the region.”
For regional stakeholders, the economic and social costs of inaction have become unsustainable. Officials emphasised that the proposed project goes beyond traditional engineering, aiming to protect livelihoods and ensure that the most vulnerable populations particularly women and children are not left behind during climate crises.
Dr Victor Nyamandi, Director of Environmental Health Services in Zimbabwe, noted that resilience is no longer a policy preference but an absolute necessity, as climate shocks continue to contaminate water sources and strain health surveillance systems.
The collaborative effort also aligns with national development blueprints, such as Zambia’s National Adaptation Plan and Malawi’s 2063 agenda, which prioritise sustainable water resource management as a pillar of economic stability.
“When we invest in climate-resilient WASH systems, we are doing more than building boreholes or toilets,” observed Mr. Peter Chipeta, Malawi’s Deputy Director of Water Supply Services. “We are safeguarding health, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring that communities can withstand and recover from climate shocks.”
With the roadmap set for a formal submission to the Adaptation Fund by January 15, 2026, the project is expected to undergo review during the Board’s session in early spring.
If approved, the $18.6 million infusion will catalyze a regional transformation in how water and health services are delivered, potentially serving as a scalable model for other climate-vulnerable zones across the continent.
