By Mercy Matonga:
President Peter Mutharika has officially inaugurated this year’s Red Cross Flag Week with a call for people in the country to donate generously toward Malawi Red Cross’s humanitarian interventions.
The launch, marking a week of observance of the sacrifices and contributions made by the Red Cross in disaster response efforts, took place at Kamuzu Palace yesterday.
Mutharika, who also serves as patron of the Malawi Red Cross Society, commended volunteers and staff working for the humanitarian organisation for their sacrifices in bringing hope and compassion where there is fear and despair.
“These people are our neighbours, friends, colleagues, and family members who sacrifice their comfort and sometimes even their lives to bring relief and healing in times of hardship and loss,” Mutharika said.
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He said the theme for this year’s Flag Week, ‘Unity in Humanity’, resonates deeply with the need for Malawians to join hands in supporting those in need of humanitarian support.
“The selflessness of those working in humanitarian services reminds us that beyond every emergency, every response, and every emblem, there is one truth: we are united in humanity,” he said.
Mutharika has since implored citizens and all people in the country to support the cause with generosity.
“I encourage all people of goodwill to donate generously, whatever they can afford, to help the Red Cross save lives. I know we are going through economic turbulence. I want to assure everyone that we are fixing the economy,” he said.
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He donated K10 million to the Red Cross to boost the organisation’s disaster response interventions.
Malawi Red Cross’s President Innocent Majiya expressed gratitude to Mutharika’s administration for the resumption of government subvention in 2018 after a 24-year gap.
“The support is a lifeline that strengthens our capacity to respond to disasters, promote health and resilience, and uphold the dignity of those in need,” he said.
He also commended the government, through the Ministry of Health and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, for consistently supporting the Red Cross in carrying out its humanitarian services.
Majiya disclosed that the Red Cross aims to raise no less than K200 million during this year’s Flag Week for disaster response interventions.
