NGO Raises Awareness On Proper Disposal of Diapers
Fatima Karuweni
The National Action Plan on Used Diapers (NAPUD) organisation will on Saturday, 30 September 2023 embark on a 35km walk from Mazoe dam to Harare, to raise awareness on the proper disposal of used diapers ahead of the rainy season.
The walk has been organised by the founder of the organisation, Rogman Muchengapadare who told ZTN prime that he aims to show the commitment of the organisation to improving the way in which diapers are being disposed of by the public, focusing on urban areas.
“This walk is aimed at raising awareness on the proper disposal of diapers and also to find long-term strategies that are useful in the disposal of waste at designated points.”.
He called on government to collaborate with other stakeholders to make sure proper disposal techniques are used by the public, to avoid polluting the environment and posing a health hazard.
NAPUD was formed in 2015 in Epworth to advocate for proper disposal of used diapers in most urban communities. The organisation has worked with a number of stakeholders, including the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Mr Muchengapadare said he hopes to raise funds for the ongoing campaigns advocating for the proper disposal of diapers. He said communities need to work together to address the problem.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 1 million people are estimated to die each year from diarrhoea as a result of unsafe drinking-water, sanitation and hand hygiene. Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio.
Improper disposal of diapers could contribute to the pollution of water bodies and result in people suffering from water borne diseases.