Journalist Association Warns Malawi at Risk of Losing Out on Pandemic Funds
Malawi Faces Possibility of Not Benefiting from World Bank Pandemic Funds
LILONGWE, MALAWI — Malawi is facing the worrying possibility of not benefiting from the first $300 million in pandemic funds allocated by the World Bank, according to the Journalist Association Against AIDS (JOURNAIDS), write Catherine Tembo and Alinafe Nyanda.
Over 129 countries, including Malawi, have applied for the funds, totalling $1.4 billion, surpassing the initial allocation and posing a significant threat to Malawi's chances of receiving any funds.
JOURNAIDS and Christian Aid recently organised a media workshop focused on discussing pandemic prevention preparedness and response (PPPR) as well as the global health architecture.
The workshop highlighted the World Bank's pandemic fund, aimed at helping poor countries strengthen disease surveillance, enhance laboratory systems, and mobilise resources for recruitment and emergency communication.
Dingani Mithi, Programmes Manager for JOURNAIDS, stressed the importance of the pandemic fund for countries like Malawi, saying, "Poor countries like Malawi need to benefit from this fund in order to strengthen the health system, which is very critical in terms of responding to pandemics."
Maziko Matemba, a health rights activist, supported this view, emphasising that if Malawi fails to receive the pandemic fund, the country will face severe challenges in disaster preparedness and management, particularly in light of the recent devastating cyclone Freddy and its impact.
The Journalist Association Against AIDS has called upon relevant stakeholders and international organisations to ensure that Malawi's eligibility for the pandemic funds is not undermined.
The association emphasized the importance of providing support to vulnerable countries facing multiple challenges during the ongoing pandemic.
Meanwhile, JournAIDS’ Mithi urged journalists in the country to disseminate the proper information on COVID-19 prevention to address misconceptions.
He made this call during a media workshop on reporting COVID-19 pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response held in Lilongwe.
Mithi highlighted the importance of the workshop in equipping journalists with the knowledge and capacity to report from an informed perspective about pandemics.
JournAIDS, in collaboration with Christian Aid, has been working on COVID-19 advocacy in Salima district and at the national level, aiming to raise awareness and enhance equitable access to vaccines.
It is crucial for Malawi to secure the pandemic funds to strengthen its health system and effectively respond to the ongoing pandemic.
The international community must recognise the challenges faced by countries like Malawi and provide the necessary support to ensure their eligibility for the funds.