Synod sources K9m for Covid-19 response

The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia has secured £10 000 (about K9 million) funding to support rural health centres in Mzimba with personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of its coronavirus (Covid-19) response.

The funds have been sourced from Tearfund, a UK-based charitable organisation, through Livingstonia Aids Programme (Lisap).

Speaking after delivering the materials at Engucwini Health Centre on Friday, the synod’s deputy general secretary the Reverend Joseph Mwale said the church has a role to play in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

“This is a global challenge which has not spared Malawi. There is a need for us as a church to be part of the fight against coronavirus and protect our people from contracting the virus,” he said.

Mwale said the synod is targeting health facilities and communities in Kamwe, Engucwini, Euthini and Embangweni with the materials.

He said the synod has also engaged facilitators from Ministry of Health to train health personnel and local people in these areas.

“We want to build the capacity of staff and rural communities on how to handle matters pertaining to coronavirus,” said Mwale.

Engucwini Health Centre in-charge Bester Zimba described the donation as vital as the facility was operating without adequate PPE.

He said the trainings have also been an eye-opener, especially on how to protect themselves from contracting the virus.

“We hope this will take us a long way in the fight against the virus,” he said.

The hospital has a catchment area of 19 600 people.