Malawians in diaspora should drive change—VP
Vice-President Saulos Chilima has said government wants to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between Capital Hill and the Malawian community in diaspora.
He said this in a statement marking the virtual launch of the Malawi-United Kingdom (UK) Nurses Association (Muna) on Saturday.
Chilima said the underlying goal in the establishment of the relationship, through the Malawi Diaspora Engagement Policy, is to mainstream and empower Malawians living abroad to effectively make significant contribution to the development of the country.
Said Veep: “The policy is, therefore, a statement of invitation to the diaspora regardless of generation, age, gender, migration and economic status, to become part of the drivers of change in Malawi’s social and economic transformation.
“In this digital era, it has become easier for the diaspora community to get more and more involved in the happenings and development of their homeland.”
He also challenged the nurses grouping to demonstrate their love for the country by reaching out to Malawi with assistance or their expertise.
Chilima stressed that nursing is a noble profession with high standards and a strong sense of public service; hence, he was proud to have been associated with the launch of the association.
In his remarks, UK Minister responsible for Africa James Duddridge said he saw during his recent visit to Malawi the health and economic challenges that Covid-19 has brought encouraged that the UK-Malawi partnership is making the health system more resilient and saving lives.
He said: “This event is an excellent reminder of the value and energy that diaspora communities provide both to the UK and to their countries of origin.
“The National Health Service benefits hugely from the skills and experience that staff trained abroad bring, and I applaud your passion to support and empower one another and to raise health standards in both Malawi and the UK”.
Duddridge said the UK will continue to support Malawi Government ongoing response to Covid-19 and help it strengthen the country’s health system.
On her part, Muna president Charity Gladstone said the association was registered in September 2020 with a common interest of getting equitable and accessible healthcare services for all.
However, she bemoaned inadequate basic equipment in hospitals in Malawi means their fellow nurses often work in desperate situation to save lives.
“Through the association, we have a strong sense of moral obligation to contribute towards the health of communities in Malawi, the UK and the world,” said Gladstone.
