MONROVIA, May 29 (LINA) -The Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Liberia has said that lack of safe drinking water at health facilities in rural Liberia is a threat to the health of babies.

DCMO Tolbert Nyansawah noted that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) play a crucial role in the health of women and children.

Mr. Nyenswah made the disclosure Thursday at the beginning of a two-day workshop on the National Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Program at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Congo Town.

He explained that water, sanitation and hygiene are serious public health issues confronting the nation, contributing to the death of young babies and children over the years and needed to be addressed.

He said 50 percent of malnutrition in children is caused by unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene in several rural communities in the country.

DCMO Nyenswah indicated that water, sanitation and hygiene are tied to health because lack of safe drinking water, good sanitation and proper hygiene practices will affect the health of women and children in health facilities.

The workshop which was organized by the Ministry of Public Works, with support from the African Development Bank, brought together line ministries, stakeholders and local and international partners.
LINA CB/TSS/PTK