Latrine constructed by Malagasy villagers within 3 days of it being destroyed by a flood.

A few weeks ago I found myself in Madagascar to witness the follow-up of a commitment that had been announced at the 2014 Global Citizen Festival. Those who came last year undoubtedly remember Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India reiterating his Government’s commitment to provide toilets for all by 2019. Indeed, it’s hard to forget such strong words from the leader of the world’s largest democracy - especially when he was given a rock star introduction by Hugh Jackman.

Yet, the keen observer would also remember seeing video messages from the governments of Nepal and Madagascar, each pledging to eliminate the practice of open defecation in their countries by 2017 and 2018 respectively.

People rightly question what comes from such commitments and whether we at Global Poverty Project, together with partners like the Water Supply Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), monitor their fulfillment long after the Festival is over. Well I can tell you that Madagascar is definitely making strides, and its progress is fast becoming an example for others to emulate.

One cannot overstate the problem of open defecation in Madagascar. I quickly learned this when WSSCC invited me to a reception with the country’s President, Prime Minister, Sanitation Minister and dozens and dozens of local health workers committed to eliminating the practice.

Not holding back, a local doctor took the podium and – apologizing in advance to the President for his forthcoming bluntness – laid out the facts:

- 50% of the country do not use latrines;
- $103 million is lost to the economy because of open defecation; and,
- Diarrhea-related deaths as a result of open defecation are the 2nd leading cause of child mortality.

Explaining in candid detail how flies spread diseases from fecal matter, the doctor charged that the dignity of the Malagasy people was itself at risk of being “tarnished” because they were “voluntarily eating shit from their neighbour.” Cries went up from all the workers in attendance that this was not the future they wanted for their country. It was not a future where their people enjoyed dignity.

Finally, the energy he was exuding now palpable throughout the room, the doctor laid a challenge directly at the President’s feet saying: “Lets be different. Lets move forward. Lets work as part of this big movement… Malagasy people are ready. Are you ready?”

Hands went up everywhere, the assembled workers all yelling in unison that they were ready.

But for the doctor this was not enough. “Willingness cannot be shown by raising hands,” he said before asking for a huge blown up document to be brought out and placed before the President. Explaining this was a declaration by the Government to the people of Madagascar to end open defecation, he asked the President once more if he too was ready.

Silence followed as the President got to his feet. Then, turning to face the room President Hery Rajaonarimampianina – the first democratically elected President since 2009 – uttered the words they had been waiting to hear: “I am ready.” The workers cheered Hery on as he signed the document.

Anyone who has worked in development knows all too well that it takes more than words on a document to bring about change. The Government needs to back up its words with budgetary allocations. The international community – from multilateral institutions like the World Bank to donor aid agencies – also need to contribute. Even then, it will be a long and hard road to change a behavior that has been indoctrinated over generations.

Nonetheless, achieving such high-level political buy-in with respect to such a taboo area is an important first step. And I for one am excited about the prospects for change in Madagascar.

Editorial

Defeat Poverty

Madagascar to become open defecation free

By Michael Sheldrick