Germany to release K4.7bn for health sector

Germany will release 14 million euros (around K4.7 billion) to Malawi to revamp the country’s health sector, among others.

Two elements of this package will be signed by German authorities this month, according to a statement from the Germany Embassy in Lilongwe.

Reads the statement in part: “As Germany wishes to assist Malawi as swiftly as possible in its current crisis with foreign currency, a decision has been made that Germany gives its support to Lilongwe.

“Two elements of this support package; the health sector pool fund and social cash transfer scheme, will be signed by the German Ambassador in July before the German Parliamentary State Secretary’s visit to Malawi.”

Parliamentary State Secretary Gundrun Kopp from the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development is scheduled to visit Malawi from August 20 to 24 this year to discuss a package of support measures from the German Government.

The statement says the decision to resume Malawi’s health sector pool funding is a result of bold reforms Malawi has undertaken since President Joyce Banda ascended to the presidency on April 7 2012 after the death of president Bingu wa Mutharika.

Commenting on the development, Ministry of Health spokesperson Henry Chimbali said the funding would be helpful in implementing Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan.

He said the funds would go in the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) basket which supports the ministry’s priorities.