Malawi President Hails Health, Mining Partnerships
Chakwera also interfaced with selected mining ministers from other African nations on Wednesday following the just-concluded Malawi Mining Investment Forum.
LILONGWE, Malawi— President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday welcomed continuing support from the Fleming Fund to build a "healthier nation" by tackling drug resistance, while also urging African mining collaboration during a regional meeting, writes Winston Mwale.
"The Fund has been a reliable partner in the strengthening of health systems in tackling anti-microbial resistance," Chakwera said after a meeting with a Fleming Fund delegation.
"They have pledged to enhance Malawi's capacity in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants."
The president expressed gratitude that the U.K. aid program will provide "evidence-based interventions meant to tackle drug resistance in humans and animals."
Chakwera also interfaced with selected mining ministers from other African nations on Wednesday following the just-concluded Malawi Mining Investment Forum.
"I have reminded them of the need for Africa to collaborate in protecting interests of the mining sector so that it benefits local communities first," he stated.
The Malawian leader has made beneficiation of minerals within Africa a priority of his administration.
At the forum, Malawi became the fourth nation to join the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which aims to promote cooperation and get better deals from mining.
The group's Secretary-General, Moses Micheal Engadu, said Saudi Arabia has indicated interest in tapping into Malawi's copper, iron ore, nickel and lithium deposits through its new $15 billion Manara investment fund.