Clean-up drive gives Bwaila Hospital a healthier environment

Patients and guardians at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe are expected to benefit from a cleaner and healthier environment after a volunteer-led clean-up exercise transformed parts of the health facility.

Tsinde Eco Empower, a Lilongwe-based environmental organisation, on Saturday mobilised volunteers to remove waste and improve sanitation around the hospital, saying clean surroundings are essential for quality healthcare and the well-being of patients.

The organisation’s Marketing and Liaison Officer, Owen Khoza, said hospitals experience high foot traffic and generate significant waste, which demands frequent care.

Volunteered to clean Bwaila Hospital

He added that a clean hospital environment protects patients and supports hardworking healthcare workers.

“Yes, we collect and manage waste as business. But we chose to clean the hospital free of charge because keeping our health facilities clean protects lives and eases pressure on the healthcare system,” Khoza explained.

Khoza said local solutions and private sector involvement are key to driving positive change.

He noted that cleanliness in public spaces is a collective responsibility.

Khoza: let’s clean our communities

“Malawians should lead by example. It is time to show that we should not wait for someone else to keep our communities clean, and our purpose goes beyond just picking up trash. We are building a sustainable waste management culture to transform how waste is handled,” he added.

During the exercise, Tsinde Eco Empower staff mopped the maternity ward, cleaned and swept the hospital surroundings, among other activities.