UN agencies, NGOs appeal for K102 billion to support 7.5 million Malawians

United Nations and non-governmental organizations have launched an appeal for $139.2 million (about K102 billion) which will be used to support 7.5 million people in the country for six months.

The organizations under Humanitarian Country Team in Malawi have today launched the Emergency Appeal to support Malawi Government’s preparedness and response efforts for the next six months from May to October 2020.

The response will complement the National Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Plan launched on 8th April.

UN Resident Coordinator, Maria Jose Torres, said the Appeal provides for targeted humanitarian assistance and protection to those most in need on top of supporting public health actions which are core to containing the spread of Covid-19.

“The UN and its partners recognize that the situation is evolving rapidly in Malawi, and those living under the poverty line, the most vulnerable and at-risk communities could be hit the hardest.

“The situation calls for urgent strengthening of the state of preparedness and response across the country, with a strong focus on the local level and the urban and peri-urban areas, to avert escalation of the Covid-19 spread and worsening of the pandemic’s socioeconomic effects on the people of Malawi,” said Torres.

On behalf of the NGO consortium, Save the Children Country Director, Kim Koch, said the needs in the appeal aim to save lives and prevent loss of livelihoods.

“The Emergency Appeal emphasises on continued delivery of basic essential services and protection of livelihoods of the most vulnerable communities,” said Koch.

“The Appeal will ensure that access to essential health care, education and protection services is safeguarded.”

On his part, Principal Secretary and Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Wilson Moleni, said the continuity of humanitarian operations in the country will be critical to Malawi’s efforts to contain the pandemic and ensure better recovery.