N. Magoodhoo launches reusable nappy programme for children

The island of N. Magoodhoo has initiated Budu Fothi, a pioneering reusable nappy program supported by the Women’s Development Committee, Island Council, Health Centre, and Soneva Namoona. Budu Fothi was officially launched at an event held on Monday in N. Magoodhoo with participating families.

As part of the initiative, the community will be trialing reusable nappies with the aim of:

• Reducing the amount of nappy waste generated on the island.
• Decreasing the number of nappies imported to the island.
• Fostering a culture of using reusable nappies rather than single-use ones.

All thirty-two families on the island with diaper-wearing children will participate in the three month trial. At the launch event, each family received a reusable nappy kit along with guidance on how to use them. Participants also signed a pledge to adopt practices that ensure better health and a cleaner environment for their children. A community support group was also initiated to help the families and ensure the trial’s success, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared learning.

As part of this programme, local retailers will be provided with information about reusable nappies and introduced to Zero Waste Maldives, a supplier that stocks reusable nappies. This initiative aims to create a sustainable supply chain, ensuring better access to reusable nappies on Magoodhoo.

An island-wide survey conducted prior to the trial revealed key insights into diaper usage patterns:

• On average, a family spends approximately MVR 831 per month on single-use nappies, amounting to about MVR 30,000 over three years.
• A child’s nappy is changed at least four times daily, resulting in around 4,320 soiled nappies over three years, which could cover an area of Sq.ft. 10,800 or 6 volleyball courts. This poses a significant disposal challenge to small communities.

Speaking about Budu Fothi program, Maajidha Hassan, President of the Women’s Development Committee, said, “Managing nappy waste is a real challenge for our island and accumulated nappy waste is a health hazard. The Budu Fothi campaign presents a promising solution to solve this issue while creating a more sustainable environment for our children. We are thrilled that through this program, parents now have information about and access to healthier alternatives.”

Khadeeja Hamid, Reduce Manager of Soneva Namoona, said, “This trial is crucial not only for collecting data to inform future work but also for highlighting the need for accessible, reusable alternatives to single-use products. We hope this initiative will drive broader changes and support from all stakeholders including government and private sector”

Fathimath Namha, a parent participating in the trial, said: “Participating in the Budu Fothi trial has given us hope that we can reduce our environmental footprint while providing safe and effective care for our children. We are excited to be part of this initiative.”