Poppy Week launch falls to Chief Secretary as Malawi weighs veterans’ welfare

The annual Poppy Appeal has long symbolized remembrance. This year’s launch also highlighted the growing challenge of supporting Malawi’s aging military veterans as public finances come under mounting pressure.

Launching the 2026 Poppy Appeal Week in Lilongwe on behalf of President Peter Mutharika, Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi announced that the president had contributed K10 million to the campaign.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of former servicemen and women.

Speaking to senior military officers, government officials and private sector representatives, Saidi said authorities are pursuing reforms to strengthen veterans’ pensions, reduce delays in gratuity payments and create stronger legal protections for those who served the nation.

Central to that effort is a proposed Veterans Act.

The government says the law would establish a more comprehensive framework for veterans’ affairs and extend protection and support to widows and dependents.

Saidi also urged businesses and development partners to play a larger role in supporting veterans.

He said the responsibility for caring for former service members should not rest solely with the government.

The appeal comes amid growing concern about the welfare of thousands of veterans nationwide.

Veterans Affairs Coordinator Col. Kelton Kaleke, retired, said Malawi is home to about 2,400 veterans who still need assistance.

Among them are 43 veterans whose service dates back to the pre-independence era.

This year’s appeal aims to raise K500 million.

The funds are expected to maintain War Memorial Homes and improve nutrition and living conditions for former soldiers.

Kaleke also called for additional resources to maintain memorial homes in Zomba and to provide furniture for elderly residents.

The Poppy Appeal is an established tradition across Commonwealth countries. It raises money for veterans and their families ahead of Remembrance Sunday, which is observed annually on the second Sunday in November.

Attention will now turn to the Military Veterans Thanksgiving Golf Tournament, sponsored by NBS Bank.