News

CARE Malawi’s implementation of the Covid-19 response in Mulanje is proving more useful as the district progresses in its infection control. The project funded by ECHO, has the main objective  of reducing the spread of Covid-19 by strengthening health facilities, improving access to wash facilities, supporting national, district and community preparedness and response, ensuring rapid response to protect lives and livelihoods in a gender sensitive way.

Goal Malawi has been on the forefront in the fight of Covid 19 in the district of Blantyre. In the efforts to contain the virus, interventions by the organization were made, recognizing the strain that the pandemic has posed on both our health care system and the communities at large.

Tamanya Hara, Director of Planning and Development (DPD) in Blantyre District Council said that the targeted Covid 19 response by ECHO through Goal Malawi has greatly helped district manage the pandemic.

ECHO Covid 19 response has been an arm that directly joins with the Government of Malawi's National COVID-19 Preparedness. Launched on the 8^th April 2020, this plan addresses the most pressing needs associated with the pandemic and coordinates effort with nine of Malawi’s leading INGOs (Save the Children, GOAL, CARE, TROCAIRE, COOPI, CRS, United Purpose, Concern Worldwide and Oxfam). The Action targets 7 high risk districts (Dedza, Lilongwe Urban and Rural, Blantyre, Mzimba North, Mulanje, Mwanza and Mangochi).

Fifty thousand kwacha was enough money to convince James Josiah* to receive as collateral to send his 17-year-old daughter Triza* into marriage.

Although it was against her wishes, Triza, a Standard 8 leaner at Chindowole Primary School in Chikwawa district, had no choice but to concede to her parent’s wishes.

In most parts of Chikwawa, sending young girls into marriage is common. This is exacerbated by poverty, cultural practices and religious beliefs.

Joyce Buleya* was only 14-years-old when she fell pregnant in the midst of her Standard 8 class year. Confused and conflicted, her dream of becoming a nurse suddenly dimmed before her as her options dwindled.

In Malawi, a vast majority of pregnant school-going teenagers drop out of school due to a number of adverse factors, although the government policy is to readmit them back into the fold as soon as they deliver.