Advocacy and public awareness in the WASH sector of Liberia started as far back as 2008/9. At the time, the issue of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) was a strange phenomenon and as such it was not considered to be relevant. The involvement of individuals of civil society organizations and the media could not be over emphasized, as there was a need to ensure advocacy and public awareness for WASH.
Healthy Start is WaterAid’s 4-year Advocacy Priority (2015-2019) on improving the health and nutrition of newborn babies and children. According to WaterAid, one in four newborn deaths in Liberia could be prevented with safe water, sanitation, and clean hands.
Appalling sanitation in Greater Monrovia over the years has been a major challenge for several residents and municipalities in Montserrado County. This condition continues to make life unbearable for several residents, despite the interventions of the World Bank, European Union, and other WASH partners. The intervention by these donors is aimed at creating an enabling environment for water, sanitation, and hygiene in the country.
Liberian President, George Weah has finally made appointments to the National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Commission. Those appointed are Bobby Whitfield, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Salia Kamara, Executive Director. Others include the Board of Directors of the National WASH Commission, headed by Public Works Minister as Chair, Lands Mines & Energy Minister-Member, Health Minister-Member, Education Minister-Member, and the Managing Director of the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation-Member.
As part of efforts to support Liberia’s strives for improved and sustained sanitation program in Montserrado County, specifically focusing on various municipalities, the British charity WaterAid Liberia/Sierra Leone has held an introductory meeting with the City Mayor of Paynesville and other stakeholders as it relates to sanitation. The purpose of the meeting according to WaterAid Liberia/Sierra Leone Deputy Country Director, Chuchu Selma, was intended to strengthen coordination and cooperation in the implementation of a sanitation project, shortly to be officially launched Monrovia.