Visiting UK Minister for Africa James Duddridge has announced over K5 billion (£6 million) worth of support to strengthen Malawi’s response against the COVID 19 global health pandemic.
Duddridge disclosed this during his visit to a warehouse for COVID-19 supplies in Lilongwe, which is managed by UNICEF Malawi.
The Minister said Malawi should ensure continued basic prevention methods of washing hands using soap, water or sanitiser, protecting the face and maintaining social distance.
“With our new package of support, we will help strengthen Malawi Government’s response by doubling the number of communities that will be reached with public health surveillance, prevention and treatment services,” said Duddridge.
Responding to the gesture, Minister of health Khumbize Chiponda said the money will go a long way in helping Malawi disrupt the further spread of the pandemic in the country.
She also warned that Malawians on the possibility of second wave of COVID-19 if they relax on preventive measures.
Chiponda observed that of late, Malawians have relaxed on adherence to basic Covid-19 prevention measures, which she said poses a risk of further
spread of the Coronavirus.
“I offer sincere gratitude to the Government of United Kingdom for the timely and essential support to the people of Malawi. The UK itself hasn’t been spared by the pandemic but they still extended a helping hand to Malawi. This is humility at its best,” said Chiponda.
About 180 Malawians have died of the pandemic since March this year.
