Protesters stretch Malawi Red Cross
By Samuel Kalimira:
Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) provided first aid services to over 560 protesters that sustained injuries during recent demonstrations held in Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre cities.
MRCS Communications Manager Officer, Felix Washon, said 266 people received treatment in Lilongwe on Tuesday, 57 in Mzuzu while 178 were treated in Blantyre.
He added that 59 were assisted in Lilongwe, where some protesters held a one-day vigil on Wednesday.
“We are going to increase the number of first-aiders because we have realised that the number of protesters is increasing in any planned demonstrations.
“We have also appealed to our partners to support us so that we can respond better. We need to buy fuel, replenish medicines and cash to buy water and food to buy for the first-aiders, who work throughout the day,” Washon said.
He said MRCS had 2,000 trained first-aiders and 75,000 volunteers, a number he described as not enough to serve injured people during demonstrations.
Washon commended Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers for understanding the role Red Cross plays.
“Red Cross will also be deploying first-aiders to court during the presidential election case,” he said.
Human Rights Defenders Coalition Chairperson, Timothy Mtambo, on Wednesday hailed MDF and MRCS for offering selfless service during demonstrations.
HRDC has been leading Malawians in protests aimed at forcing Malawi Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Jane Ansah to resign for allegedly mismanaging the May 21 Tripartite Elections.
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