From September 25 to 27, the USAID/Mali Director Gary Juste embarked on a series of certifications of the first villages that reached the Open Defecation Free status, an innovative water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASHplus led by FHI 360) approach funded by the United States Government via USAID and implemented through CARE International and two Malian NGOs (YAG-TU and Sahel Eco). For reaching Open Defecation Free status, three villages in Mopti region in the northern half of the country that are also priority for USAID's Feed the Future and Global Health initiatives, were recognized: Allaye-Daga (Commune of Sio), Wendeguele (commune of Dandoli) and Kanikombole (Commune of Kani-Bonzo). USAID Director and the Governor of Mopti Region led the certification in three villages in the presence of national and regional authorities, the CARE Mali Country Director as well as local officials, including those from triggered villages. All three villages reached or exceeded the targeted criteria for certifications. The village of Allaye-Daga built 31 latrines against a target of 28. Wendeguele achieved 150% of their latrine target, and Kanikombole built 28 latrines against a target of 10. Local community leaders, women and youth all recognized the importance of the project and the impact it had on the health status of the populations. In the village of Allaye Daga, there was not a single latrine before the project, but now everybody uses latrines and a fine has been set for noncompliance with Open Defecation Free standards.

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