Malawi launches K157bn Covid-19 response plan
Government has launched a K157 billion preparedness and response plan to combat the spread of Covid-19, a strand of coronavirus.
Minister of Health Jappie Mhango, who is also the chairperson for Special Cabinet Committee on Covid-19, launched the plan at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe on Wednesday.
Mhango, who was flanked by Minister of Disaster Management Affairs, Everton Chimulirenji and other members of the Special Cabinet Committe on Covid-19, said the K157 billion will be disbursed in 10 sectors that include coordinating structures, communication and health.
The launch of the response plan comes after President Peter Mutharika announced that he has set out a stimulus package to help cushion the economic impact of the disease.
Mutharika announced a number of measures aimed at cushioning small- and medium-sized businesses, including tax breaks, a reduction in fuel prices and an increase in risk allowances for health workers.
Amongst other measures, the President directed the Reserve Bank of Malawi to allow banks to offer a three-month moratorium on interest payments on loans to small- and medium-sized businesses.
The President also directed the central bank to “cushion the foreign exchange market to ensure availability of forex and stability of the foreign exchange rate,” and work on an emergency liquidity assistance framework to support banks in the event of worsening liquidity conditions.
The government will also increase loans under the Malawi Enterprise Development Fund that will help micro, small and medium scale businesses that have been seriously affected by the pandemic to 15 billion Malawi kwacha ($20.69 million) from 12 billion kwacha.
Mutharika declared a state of national disaster for Covid-19.
There is no lockdown but schools are closed and the government says it is urging people to work from home and follow hand-washing and social-distancing guidelines.
All social gatherings of more than 100 people, such as funerals, church services and political rallies, have been banned.
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What you need is enforcement. After 6 pm minibus are not following the rules and are packed with passengers. There are still bars that are open. The police should be working round the clock to enforce otherwise that 157 billion would be a waste.
157 Billion thats an ambitious budget.
Waiting to see the detailed and transparency of how this money will be used.
Excited that we will see makeshift hospitals built in 9 days like what China and UK have done. Not tent we are seeing being erected.
Ventilators and proper testing kits and PPE.
Health professionals to be infront updating us. I hope Malawi is learning something from the Kenya govt.
Hope our know it all VP copies and updates his own plan which nobody will implement
Mizimu ya wathu onse, mazana mazana amene adaphedwa ndi nkhanza za MCP iwuse muntendele.Ndipo,Isazalore asakhwi amenewa kulowanso m’boma.
Do you mean ma albinos anaphedwa ndi DPP including innocent njauju or kapena anyamata aku Mzuzu aja Bingu analamula apolisi Kuti awaombele pofuna chilungamo @naruto
Those thugs that were busy rooting in the name of protests? No, I mean the innocent Malawians Mcp and Malawi Young Pioneers killed. Lots of women (mothers,grannies,girls,nuns) they raped and spread aids to. I Mean all those people they fed to Crocodiles,those they incarcerated for years on end without any fair trial. This disgusting demonic party now being led by a preacher turned thug terrorist politician.
Perfect. We need to confront Corona-virus head on.