Malawi, a nation grappling with one of its most challenging food shortage crises in decades, is now led by President Lazarus Chakwera. With approximately 5.7 million people affected, accounting for about a quarter of the country's 20 million population, the situation is dire. In rural areas, some villagers have resorted to survival on wild plants like buffalo beans.
President's Address and Acknowledgments
In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, Chakwera emphasized the ongoing issue. He stated, "We are not out of the woods yet." This is why he continues to advocate for international support to tackle the humanitarian crisis at hand. In March of this year, the president had already appealed for $200 million in food aid for millions of citizens facing starvation due to the drought linked to the El Nino weather condition.On Wednesday, in his renewed appeal, Chakwera recognized the donations Malawi has received so far from various development partners through the U.N. World Food Program. He said, "From the governments of Sweden and Netherlands, the WFP received a donation of $11.8 million. I say thank you. From the government of the United States, the WFP received a donation of $7 million, and I say thank you. From the government of the United Kingdom, the WFP received a donation of $3.8 million, and I say thank you. From the government of Japan, the WFP received a donation of $1.9 million, and I say thank you."Urgency of Additional Food Aid
Chakwera made it clear that additional food aid is urgently needed to save lives. He emphasized, "If you are out there standing with Malawians and giving them the help they need during this crisis, I can assure you that Malawians are honest and fair-minded people who will remember those who are bringing them food in this season of drought and hunger, and who know how to distinguish them from those who brought them nothing."Role of Humanitarian Organizations
Kylie Scott, head of partnerships and communication for the U.N.'s World Food program in Malawi, informed VOA that the U.N.'s food agency still requires more assistance. She said, "At the moment, we have got funding until the end of the year. But there will be a gap until March 2025. So, we are working really hard to ensure that we can close that gap and make sure that no one gets left behind."In the meantime, Malawi's Department of Disaster Management Affairs, along with the World Food Program and several local humanitarian organizations, is actively distributing assistance to communities facing food shortages. They are working tirelessly to ensure that every Malawian in need receives the support they deserve during this difficult time.READ MORE