From September 25- 27, USAID/Mali Director Gary Juste embarked on a series of certifications of the first villages to achieve Open Defecation Free status, an innovative approach to managing water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. Known as WASHplus, the program is funded by the United States Government via USAID and implemented through CARE International and Malian NGOs YAG-TU and Sahel Eco.
For achieving Open Defecation Free status, three villages in the Mopti region were recognized: Allaye-Daga, Wendeguele and Kanikombole. The USAID Director and the Governor of the Mopti Region led the certification in the three villages as national and regional authorities watched. Local community leaders, women and youth all recognized the importance of the project and its positive impact on the health of the villagers.
