Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alick Ponje
Published on 2024-03-11 08:28:35
An official from The Commonwealth recently commended the resilience of Malawians in the face of various challenges, particularly those brought about by climate change. Alison Raw, the Head of Public Health and Disaster Resilience in The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Office, emphasized the need for action to further bolster the self-reliance of the people in Malawi.
During her visit to Malawi from March 3 to 9, Raw witnessed firsthand the challenges that the people in the country are grappling with due to the sustained impacts of climate change and other pressing issues. The Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi, extended an invitation to Raw to visit Malawi so that she could gain a deeper understanding of the needs of Malawians and explore how The Commonwealth could provide assistance.
In a press conference in Blantyre, Raw and Usi highlighted the importance of leveraging the resilience of the people to implement programs that enhance their livelihoods. Raw emphasized the need to equip the population with skills, seed funding, and support from international organizations and financial institutions to help them become more resilient in the face of recurring climate change impacts.
Raw also underscored the intricate connection between climate change and health, advocating for increased investments to address the health issues exacerbated by climate change. She pointed out that the rising temperatures associated with climate change could lead to a surge in illnesses such as malaria and other infectious diseases, as well as heat-related problems like dehydration.
The year 2023 was officially declared the warmest on record by the World Meteorological Organization in January, raising concerns among local health experts about the heightened risks of illness and death from respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. Usi stressed the importance of tangible actions over mere rhetoric in tackling the challenges faced by the people in Malawi.
Reflecting on his interactions with Raw in New York and Dubai, Usi reiterated his invitation for her to visit Malawi and witness firsthand the issues that The Commonwealth could assist with. He emphasized the pivotal role of the community in highlighting the transformation in people’s lives and expressed optimism about receiving support from The Commonwealth following Raw’s visit.
Raw made a commitment to have initiatives on the ground before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October, signaling the organization’s commitment to providing timely assistance to Malawi. The country has been grappling with a series of extreme weather events in recent years, including Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which resulted in significant casualties and displacement, as well as recent episodes of prolonged dry spells and devastating floods.
In conclusion, the collaboration between The Commonwealth and Malawi underscores the importance of proactive measures to address the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental threats. By fostering resilience, providing support, and taking concrete actions, both parties are poised to make a meaningful impact on the well-being and livelihoods of the Malawian population.
Read the original article on The Times
