By Meclina Chirwa
Speaking at a policy colloquium on the Safe Water Now program, Evidence Action Program Manager Moses Chisangwala said the initiative represents a crucial investment in human capital.
"Waterborne diseases cause inconveniences to people both economically and socially," Chisangwala said.
"If a household spends more money on hospital bills, that erodes their financial resources."
He added that childhood illness leads to school absenteeism, affecting long-term educational outcomes.