By Pemphero Malimba:
President Lazarus Chakwera has said there is a need for collaborative efforts to support at least nine million people who are in need of food in the country.
Chakwera said this Friday after launching the 2024 Malawi Red Cross Society flag week held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
“The implications of the food crisis on public health is enormous and they demand collaborative efforts between government, citizens and partners to ensure that every Malawian household is reached with humanitarian support to close the food supply gap,” he said.
Chakwera, who is also patron for the Malawi Red Cross Society, said the society which implements various humanitarian activities across the country requires support to boost its operations towards the needy.
“In that comprehensive and collaborative work of building self-reliant and climate-resilient communities, the Malawi Red Cross Society is an indispensable player with operations across the country that are worthy of our support and promotion,” he said.
During the event, Chakwera donated K2 million towards the society’s initiative.
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda commended the society’s support in containing various outbreaks including cholera.
“We have had cyclones, outbreaks like cholera and Malawi Red Cross Society was busy on the ground working together with us to make sure that we provide services to Malawians,” Chiponda said.
She further applauded Chakwera for his efforts in improving lives of Malawians, arguing that it is lessening health sector challenges.
MRCS president Innocent Majiya said they are targeting to raise at least K160 million during the week.
Majiya said the society remains strong in helping others through humanitarian activities in the country.
“With so many global challenges competing for attention and resources, we are committed to shining a light on and addressing the forgotten crises around the world,” Majiya said.
He said they have lined up a number of activities to boost up the initiative.
“This year, we have organised a cycling event from Lilongwe to Blantyre dubbed ‘Cycling for Humanity’. This event aims at raising K100 million for disaster response,” he said.
The flag week is being observed under the theme: ‘Keeping humanity alive.
