Malawi launches K150bn COVID-19 response plan

Government has launched the national COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.

Speaking during the launch chairperson of special cabinet committee on COVID-19 Jhappie Mhango said they developed the plan after president professor Peter Mutharika declared the state of disaster following the threat of coronavirus pandemic.

Mhango said the plan has a strategic objective of preventing, rapidly detecting and effectively responding to any COVID19 outbreak thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.

“The plan is worthy 150 billion kwacha but so far 6.5 billion kwacha is available,” said Mhango

He further said the resource gap of 142.7 billion kwacha is huge considering that the virus may further spread to most parts of the country because the infected may have made contact with several people.

However, Mhango believes that joint efforts can address the gap and prevent further spread of the disease.

He therefore appealed to support resource mobilization process adding the funds will be channeled to national disaster appeal fund.