Oxfam International Malawi has rolled out the first phase of its El-Nino-induced food insecurity response program, targeting over 12,000 people in the three districts of Lilongwe, Mchinji, and Phalombe.
This is a response to devastating Cyclone Freddy, which battered southern Africa from 10-15 March last year, severely damaging homes, crops, domestic animals, roads, schools and hospitals.
More than two million people have been affected, with more than 600,000 people having to leave their homes.
Oxfam international Malawi country director, Lingalireni Mihowa said:
“Through the K207 million in financial support from Irish Aid and Oxfam, the program will provide cash transfers to the hunger-stricken households in the targeted districts.”
Mihowa, therefore, emphasized the need for adequate funding to extend assistance to more affected households.
Phalombe district commissioner Douglas Moffat thanked Oxfam International Malawi for its generosity and support, saying that it will help mitigate hunger in the district.
Meanwhile, a total of 1,075 beneficiaries have received a once-off cash transfer of K50,000 each in Phalombe district.
Cyclone Freddy struck southern Africa from 10 to 15 March 2023, causing extensive damage to homes, crops, roads, schools, and hospitals in southern Malawi.
The cyclone worsened an ongoing cholera outbreak, resulting in significant challenges in accessing water, sanitation, and hygiene in affected areas.
Approximately 2.2 million people have been affected, with more than 659,000 individuals displaced and living in crowded camps.
Oxfam’s Cyclone Freddy Humanitarian Response is providing aid to 15,500 households in three districts, including food assistance, blankets, buckets, wrappers, soap, and menstrual hygiene kits.
The President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, declared a state of disaster on 13 March, highlighting the urgent need for support.
The recovery process for Malawi is expected to be lengthy and will require significant resources and collaboration.
“The program will provide cash transfers to the hunger-stricken households in the targeted districts.”
Lingalireni Mihowa
Oxfam International Malawi Country director
