In response to the launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan by the Malawi government, Oxfam in Malawi’s Country Director, John Makina said:
“Whilst Oxfam welcomes the government’s joint plan and commitment to provide much needed humanitarian aid to 6.5 million drought affected people for the next nine months, we remain particularly concerned with the amount of funding currently available for the response. The plan requires $380 million, of which 17% has so far been secured. This is a good start, but much more is needed, now.
“If lives are to be saved now and until the next harvest season in March 2017, the international community, donors and the Malawi government must make all possible efforts to meet peoples’ needs.
“The government should ensure that it is redirecting its own resources to meet as many of these needs as they can. Donors should also play their part and quickly release funds and commit new money to not only provide emergency aid but also to fund long-term programs that will build on people’s self-reliance and preparedness for future crises.
All efforts in providing food assistance must be informed by changing food availability and market conditions. Cash transfers and vouchers should be used to help people buy food where available and direct food aid provided where market availability is limited or prices are too high.”
