Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) says the lack of funding for anticipatory action and negative community attitudes towards anticipatory messages remain major challenges hindering the country’s progress in becoming proactive before disasters occur.
MRCS Director of Programmes and Development, Leonard Maganga, made the remarks during a review meeting on the Scaling Up Anticipatory Action Project on Thursday in Lilongwe.
Maganga said Malawi has made strides in implementing anticipatory action, but more needs to be done to minimize loss and damage when disasters strike.
He called on the government and stakeholders to integrate anticipatory action into key national policies and strategies, and to establish a dedicated funding mechanism to support preparedness activities.
“There is a need to ensure that resources are readily available for anticipatory action to reduce loss and damage when disasters occur,” said Maganga.
Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Officer for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) covering Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, Tariro Kamangira, reaffirmed IFRC’s commitment to providing more funding to ensure Malawians are better prepared before disasters occur.
Meanwhile, Chief Meteorologist and Head of Public Weather Services, Yobu Kachiwanda, said the government is doing its part to minimize and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Kachiwanda noted that the introduction of anticipatory action complements national efforts and urged the public to take early warning messages seriously to reduce loss of life and property damage.
The K163 million Anticipatory Action Project, implemented in Phalombe, Chikwawa, and Blantyre districts, is set to phase out this year. However, stakeholders have called for its extension to sustain the gains made so far.
By Smart Chalika
