Lisap donates maize to Rumphi

Livingstonia Synod has responded to President Peter Mutharika’s call for organisations, donors and other well-wishers to assist Malawians facing hunger.

Millions of Malawians are facing hunger following poor harvest in the last two growing seasons as a result of floods and drought.

The situation forced Mutharika to declare Malawi a State of National Disaster and appealed for help.

Following the President’s appeal, the Livingstonia Synod HIV and Aids Programme (Lisap) has launched a K25 million ($34 674) food relief distribution programme at Mlowe in Rumphi where thousands of people, including those living with HIV and Aids, have been heavily affected by food shortage.

The programme is targeting 1 000 beneficiaries, but the aid is expected to help about 5 000 people. The relief package includes maize, cooking oil, soya flour and beans.

Rumphi is one of the districts that had poor harvest in the past two years, with the 2014/15 production being at 37 percent while the 2015/16 harvest has been estimated at 18 percent.

Speaking during the launch on Thursday at Mlowe, Livingstonia Synod general secretary the Reverend Levi Nyondo said the synod decided to take action after Mutharika declared disaster and called for help.

He said the church has a duty to support government on various issues, just like government has to support the church.

Lisap director Mphatso Nguluwe said the relief is prioritising people living with HIV and Aids.

Rumphi District Council HIV and Aids coordinator Blessings Kanyangale commended the synod for prioritising people living with HIV and Aids.