Team Europe, a delegation comprising the European Union (EU), Germany and Ireland, has called on government to prioritise early warning systems and preparedness to reduce disaster impacts.
EU head of operations George Dura made the remarks in Lilongwe yesterday at a meeting the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) held to highlight Team Europe’s contribution towards the El Niño Response in Malawi.
While reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting the El Nino response, he cautioned that the fight is not over; hence, the need for early warning systems and preparedness.
Said Dura: “As we enter the final stages of the El-Nino response efforts, it is yet another reminder for the urgent need for early warning systems and preparedness, timely decision-making and resource mobilisation.
“Learning from mistakes, investing in disaster risk reduction, improving forecast capabilities and strengthening community resilience must remain top priority.”
He further hailed government for coordinating the response efforts, stating that collaboration has been instrumental in uplifting lives of those affected.
German Ambassador Ute Konig urged government and development partners to work towards long-term sustainable programmes, including Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), and reduce donor dependency.
“The Malawi Government should increase allocation to SCTP and prioritise social protection,” she said, further calling for the need to develop clear frameworks for programme expansion.
The EU and Germany have provided about 7.3 million euros (about K13.8 billion) to support both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of SCTP who received K70 000 per month for a period of one to three months in Neno, Zomba, Mzimba North and South, Mchinji, Phalombe, Salima, Mangochi and Machinga districts to enable them buy food.
In her remarks, Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Halima Daudi commended EU and other development partners for supporting the El Nino response.
“Going forward let us continue to work together, leveraging our collective expertise and resources to create sustainable solutions for the future.
“We must focus on building long-term strategies that enhance disaster preparedness, mitigate risks, and support vulnerable populations.”
According to Daudi, over 380 000 households are expected to benefit from SCTP out of which 175 000 households in 15 districts will continue to benefit from the programme with support from the European Union governments.
Other key areas discussed during the event included the need to enhance food security and empower communities to withstand and recover from climatic shocks, including the ongoing Cyclone Jude.
