The Embassy of the Republic of Malawi to the United States of America in Washington, D.C., wishes to inform all Malawians in the USA, Canada and friends of Malawi that His Excellency the President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, declared a State of National Disaster on January 12th, 2021 due to the exponential increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Malawi. As you may know, between January 1st and January 22nd 2021, the number of people confirmed to be newly infected has exceeded 10,692, pushing the total confirmed cases beyond 17,365. 10,123 of these transmissions have been locally transmitted infections while 569 are imported infections. This new wave of the coronavirus transmissions has resulted in increased number of deaths at an alarming rate averaging 11 deaths a day. The situation is dire and stretching the health system in Malawi beyond its capacity. As such, the President is appealing for more assistance from the international community, relevant United Nations Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, relevant United Nations Agencies, Non-Governmental organizations, and the private sector for contributions towards resources needed to meet this present challenge. In this regard, I call upon you all to contribute towards this appeal.
Donations can be sent to:
The Commissioner of Disaster Management Affairs
Office of the President and Cabinet
Private Bag 336, Lilongwe 3
Alternatively, well-wishers may want to channel resources directly to specific district or central hospitals or support existing funding channels that have been initiated by private individuals. If the former channel is of your preference, please find a list of the resources that are in dire need below; and if the latter, please contact the Embassy for verification on 202 721 0270 or 734 623 3879. The healthcare system is facing an acute shortage of the following items and funds to support additional recruitment of medical personnel:
• Oxygen cylinders and oxygen
• Oxygen flowmeters/regulators
• Wheelchairs
• Personal Protective Equipment (surgical/medical masks, disposable polythene aprons, hand sanitisers, gloves)
• Beds and Mattresses
• Linen
• Nebulising machines
• Patient Mobile Trolleys
• Patient Monitors
• Heparine (Enoxerperine)
• Lente Insulin
• Dexamethason
• Tramadol
• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
Lastly, I would like to join His Excellency President in commending our health workers, our present Heroes for the tremendous work they are doing for the people and country. They need our prayers and support to fight this pandemic.
I would like to express our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones due to COVID-19. May their Souls Rest in Peace.
Yours Sincerely,
Edward Y. Sawerengera
Ambassador