Malawi to receive 37 million pounds in UK aid

Malawi will receive £37 million in UK aid to help tackle HIV and boost the supply of vital medication, Justine Greening has announced.

The International Development Secretary said £21 million had been earmarked for projects to reduce the number of HIV infections in the African nation. They include giving 164,000 couples and 17,000 pregnant women counselling and testing for the infection as well as the distribution of more than 23 million condoms.

After a meeting with Malawian president Joyce Banda at the Department for International Development’s Scottish headquarters in East Kilbride, Ms Greening also confirmed £16 million of funding to provide essential supplies such as antibiotics, painkillers and bandages.

She said: “I would like to congratulate president Banda on the continuing process of reform that she started when she took power in Malawi. After last week’s historic agreement on the commission for the status of women and girls, the recent gender bill in Malawi which pushes forward rights on sexual and reproductive health is great news for women and girls.

“The UK is ready to support the people of Malawi as the country moves towards economic stability and prosperity, and has shown its commitment with a package of support to ensure that HIV infection is reduced and that hospitals and medical centres are equipped with essential drugs and other items.”