Malawi Health Equity Network (Mhen) has raised a public health alarm during the September 16 General Election campaign, asking stakeholders to find ways to prevent infectious diseases and avoid overloading supporters in trucks.
In a statement dated July 26 2025 co-signed by board chairperson Carolyn Kassam and executive director George Jobe, Mhen said political parties and all candidates should desist from political violence, avoid overloading their supporters in lorries and prevent the spread of infectious skin diseases that put lives of supporters at risk.
Mhen also said political rallies attract large gatherings, often leading to risky behaviours, including unprotected sex, as such called on political leaders to use their platforms to educate their supporters, especially the youth on the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and the importance of protection and regular testing.
Reads the statement in part: “As Mhen, we emphasise that the 2025 campaign period should not become a public health crisis.
“With joint responsibility from politicians, supporters, organisers, and all citizens, we can ensure that democratic participation coexists with strong public health safeguards. Let us all play our part in building a healthy, peaceful, and democratic Malawi.”
Last week, there were fresh calls for action against perpetrators of political violence during separate meetings President Lazarus Chakwera had with youth and women’s rights campaigners.
The calls came about three weeks after panga-wielding thugs attacked unarmed protesters including human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa in Lilongwe on June 26 2025 in full view of State security agents.
