The United States (US) government has disclosed that it supports the Malawi health sector with about K250 billion annually.
US Ambassador to Malawi David Young disclosed this is Lilongwe yesterday, when he officially opened the Third International Conference of Chaplains in Malawi.
Young said his government is committed to helping Malawi in the fight against HIV and Aids, malaria, tuberculosis, Covid, polio and other diseases.
“This is K250 billion of assistance every year and we will continue [providing] assistance like that, going forward,” Young said.
He underscored the need for medical care and spiritual care to match each other, saying when one goes to get medical care, it is also important that they get spiritual care to deal with the challenges.
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“But you can’t stop [people from] getting medicine. It has to go hand in hand; medical care and spiritual care,” Young said.
He encouraged delegates to the conference to be involved in what is called ‘Ministry of Presence’ which involves being with people when they go through tough times.
“Whether it’s people who are in hospitals or [those that] have lost their loved ones, it’s important to be ministers of God’s love in all those cases,” Young said.
The conference is being held under the theme ‘Towards Professional Chaplaincy: A Ministry of Presence’.
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Council for Chaplaincy Ministry in Malawi Executive Director Mabvuto Chipeta said professionalism is crucial, especially at a time suicide cases are on the rise.
He said Malawi needs professional spiritual care givers so that they can complement the government’s efforts, particularly in mental health care.
“We need spiritual care-givers in Malawi. We need people who are professionally trained; people who can be recognised by the Government of Malawi and be licenced. That’s our appeal to the government,” Chipeta said.
Palliative Care Association of Malawi District Support Project Director Fred Chipitula said chaplaincy is crucial in managing life threatening illnesses.
