Malawi Roundup: Vice President killed in plane crash, WHO donation, deforestation

WHO donates supply kits

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has donated pediatric severe acute malnutrition (PEDSAM) kits to Malawi in response to President Lazarus Chakwera’s appeal for support amid worsening food insecurity. The kits will provide essential supplies for the treatment and care of children suffering from malnutrition and malaria. Malawian Health Minister Chiponda described the donation as timely and useful, as malnutrition contributes to high infant mortality rates in the country. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, WHO country representative to Malawi said. “When food security is affected in a country, it will quickly manifest in children, especially those under five. This is something we foresaw not only for this year but also last year with Cyclone Freddy, the floods, and the cholera outbreak.“

Rapid deforestation

Perekezi Forest Reserve in Mzimba in northern Malawi is facing rapid deforestation due to illegal activities such as charcoal burning and wood harvesting, Malawi 24 reports. The forest is under-protected, with only 15 guards patrolling an area that requires over 25 guards. Stakeholders have called for increased protection and efforts to change local mindsets on the dangers of deforestation, according to Malawi 24. Malawi loses about 300,000 hectares of forest per year, and there are suggestions to hand over Perekezi Forest Reserve to the Malawi Defence Force or African Parks for better protection.

Vice President killed in plane crash

Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima and 9 others were killed in a plane crash on Tuesday (June 11). The missing plane was found in Chikangawa Forest with all occupants dead after a search operation. The aircraft was informed by air traffic control not to try landing because of bad weather and poor visibility, but it disappeared from radar shortly after. Chilima has been vice president since 2014, WION News reports.

Medical workers stage strike over allowances

Malawi medical workers are on strike to demand better allowances and working conditions. The strike has led to patients being turned away from hospitals, according to VOA. The government had promised to increase allowances, but negotiations failed. The government has obtained an injunction to stop the strike. Strike organisers are consulting their legal team.

Media rights groups bemoan surge in attacks on journalists

Malawi media and rights groups have condemned the increase in attacks on journalists in the East African nation. According to them, despite progress in repealing laws infringing on media freedom, threats and arrests of journalists continue. With the upcoming general elections, many journalists fear further crackdown on press freedom, VOA reports.