Iceland adds Nkhotakota to list of beneficiaries

In a bid to strengthen bilateral cooperation, the government of Iceland has adopted Nkhotakota District as the latest beneficiary of its developmental programmes in Malawi.

Nkhotakota’s adoption follows the successful implementation of similar initiatives in Mangochi District which encompass water and sanitation, reproductive health, girls’ education, vocational training, fisheries and research, among others.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo made the announcement in Lilongwe yesterday following high-level discussions between Iceland’s Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson and President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace.

The minister highlighted the targeted approach of their cooperation, which has yielded tangible results in Mangochi, particularly in reducing school dropout rates among girls.

Said Tembo: “Iceland’s support, channelled both directly and through agencies like the World Food Programme and the International Monetary Fund, has kick-started similar programmes in Nkhotakota with promising early outcomes.”

She underscored the strategic focus of their partnership, which aims to create a lasting impact within specific communities, citing the marked improvements in Mangochi, where the Icelandic programmes have led to enhanced water and sanitation facilities, better health services, and notably, the construction of a modern maternity wing in Makanjira, inaugurated by President Chakwera a few months ago.

Tembo also cited the skills development opportunities provided by Iceland, which have contributed to the creation of a local workforce, particularly in the construction of the new maternity wing.

Looking ahead, the minister said that the government is exploring possibilities for Iceland to extend its support to a third district.

Iceland currently maintains three missions in Africa, with plans to inaugurate a new one in Sierra Leone shortly.

The Prime Minister’s visit culminated in a State banquet last night held in honour of the distinguished guest and also to celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations between Iceland and Malawi.

Benediktsson’s itinerary includes tours of several development projects underwritten by the Icelandic Government.

In a recent interview, Icelandic Ambassador Inga Pe’tursdottir explained the historic nature of this visit, noting that it marks the first time an Icelandic Prime Minister has set foot in Malawi.

Iceland’s partnership with Malawi spans various domains, including human rights, education, health, and the arts. Notably, the Icelandic government has invested in the Makanjira Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Facility in Mangochi District.

This critical infrastructure project, launched in October 2023 with a budget of K2.5 billion, is designed to serve approximately 120,000 residents and aims to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the region.

The facility boasts a life-saving operating theatre, dedicated wards for antenatal, labour, and postnatal care, as well as a high-dependency unit for newborn babies.

During the inauguration of the facility, Ambassador Petursdottir revealed the breadth of Iceland’s contributions, which include the construction of maternity wings at Mangochi Hospital, Monkey Bay Rural Hospital, Lilja’s Fistula and One Stop Centre, as well as 28 health posts across rural communities.

These projects encompass 15 waiting homes, 38 staff residences, and 10 rural maternity wards, all aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for the country.