The United Kingdom on Thursday (16th May, 2024) announced the provision of £3 million grant (about MK 6.8 billion) towards implementation of the National El Nino Induced Prolonged Dry Spells and Floods Response Appeal (El Nino Response Appeal) pegged MK782.24 billion.

The grant follows President Dr Lazarus Chakwera ’s declaration of state of disaster and appeal for support towards implementation of the response appeal, which aims at boosting food production to ensure adequate national food stocks and provide humanitarian assistance to prevent deterioration of food insecurity and nutrition status amongst affected families.

Speaking in Lilongwe, British High Commissioner to Malawi Fiona Ritchie said her government stands with the people of Malawi in this time of need and called upon other partners and potential donors to act quickly and support the response appeal.

Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Rev. Charles Kalemba said the Malawi Government is grateful for the gesture.

“We are thankful to the Government of the United Kingdom for the timely assistance. We are working on providing assistance to over nine million affected people and this grant couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Kalemba.

The funds, which will be largely used for implementation of cash transfers and procurement and distribution of relief items, will be channeled through World Food Programme Malawi.