Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) has called for strengthened public health measures, resilient infrastructure, and improved disaster preparedness as key steps in mitigating the severe effects of climate change in the country.
The call was made by MLW Communications and Public Engagement Manager, Lindiwe Mafuleka, during a community exhibition and policy dialogue held in Lilongwe on Thursday.
Mafuleka said the initiative forms part of a project implemented between 2024 and 2025, which engaged communities on the link between climate change and health using the photovoice methodology.
The approach allowed participants to document their real life experiences through photographs to help shape research priorities and inform climate health interventions.
She said 40 community members from rural and urban Blantyre and Chikwawa areas heavily affected by tropical cyclone Freddy, took part by sharing images and testimonies outlining health impacts such as flooding and extreme heat.
Group Village Head Santana of Traditional Authority Kasisi in Chikwawa said communities are now taking steps to address climate change, adding that such interventions are vital for reducing future climate related risks.
She, however, appealed to stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns to ensure that more people understand and respond to the crisis.
Director of the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Lucy Mtilatila, said the department continues to enhance the delivery of early warning messages to help Malawians prepare for disasters.
She noted that Malawi is working towards meeting the UN Early Warning for All target, which requires all citizens to be reached with timely alerts by 2027.
By Smart Chalika
