Malawi Red Cross appeals for support
The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has appealed for support from individuals and companies during the current flag week.
The week was inaugurated on Monday by Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on behalf of President Peter Mutharika.
During the week, national societies worldwide organise different activities and events as part of the commemoration. Red Cross and Red Crescent movements volunteers receive donations from the public to enable the society execute its mandate.
MRCS President Levison Changole said lack of resources continues to hamper the society’s service delivery.
“Annual subvention from the government was halted in 1994 and ever since, we have been largely relying on support from our international partners. Many attempts and appeals to have it resumed have been made but nothing has worked,” Changole said.
He appealed to Kumpalume to garner support for the resumption of the subvention.
“As first responders, we need to have readily available resources to start responding with while waiting for support from others during disasters,” Changole added.
Kumpalume said much as he appreciates that the government subvention would significantly improve the services of MRCS, everyone must respond to their appeal for support.
“The Ministry of Finance is responsible for funding matters, but as a mother ministry, we will continue working with Red Cross Society of Malawi so that it continues helping Malawians in times of disaster,” Kumpalume said.
He added: “The strength of the Red Cross is that it delivers its services through volunteers who are themselves community members and hence understand the real needs of their community.”
World Red Cross Day, which is held on 8 May, is celebrated annually to honour the founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Henry Dunant.
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