Here are some exciting news stories out of Malawi - check them out!
Ever since her launch of the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood project, Malawian president Joyce Banda has taken many steps to improve the lives of mothers across the country. In May, Banda laid the foundation stone at the Maternity Waiting Home at the Mulanje District Hospital. Banda informed her country that more Maternity Waiting Homes will be built across Malawi and under the presidential initiative, 50 nurses and midwives will be trained to reduce the pregnant mother to health personnel ratio. Maternity Waiting Homes will provide a place for safe delivery for babies and their mothers. In June, Banda pledged to donate solar powered lamps to maternity wings in public hospitals across Malawi. If the power goes out in these hospitals, many doctors and nurses must resort to using candles for light. Banda has also promised a new power generator to the Dowa District Hospital where she made her first donation of solar powered lamps. Banda’s recent efforts will surely make a difference in the lives of many Malawian mothers.
Sources: http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/05/30/jb-lays-foundation-stone-for-maternity-waiting-home/
http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/06/02/jb-donating-solar-lamps-to-public-hospitals/
International Aid to Malawi restored
As of June 23rd, the United States has reinstated a $350 million aid package to Malawi in recognition of political reform that has taken place. The Millennium Challenge Group, a U.S. agency that distributes aid around the world, said the funds had been originally disbanded a year ago as a result of anti-government protests. Specifically, this U.S. agency cited a lack of good governance as well as human rights violation charges against Malawi. The Millennium Challenge Group says President Joyce Banda’s initiatives to address these issues have restored confidence in the nation. Banda has also pledged to work towards strengthening relationships with international donors. These newly restored funds will go towards refurbishing Malawi’s energy sector.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) echoed these sentiments earlier this week by sending Malawi a “letter of comfort,” which opened the path for donors to provide aid to Malawi. The IMF has also praised the current administration for its continued efforts towards reform. In fact, the International Organization has proposed a higher access to aid resources to address critical current economic issues within Malawi. In response to the positive affirmations, Banda commented: “IMF recognizes that my government has inherited a very difficult economic situation but nevertheless the government under my leadership has made specific measures that demonstrate our commitment to economic governance and particularly, our intention to get back on track with IMF.”
Sources: http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/23/world/africa/malawi-us-aid/index.html?iref=allsearch
http://www.nyasatimes.com/malawi/2012/06/22/imf-gives-malawi-comfort-letter-to-open-aid-taps/?cp=2
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