Malawi Govt. To review laws regarding GIK

Malawi Government has assured World Vision Malawi officials that they are reviewing laws to ensure that pharmaceuticals and other materials enter the country without hustles.

The revelation was made by Malawi’s minister of health Jean Kalirani after her official opening of World Vision Southern Africa Region (SAR) Gifts In Kind (GIK) Learning Lab.

Kalirani said that GIK has contributed to the wellbeing of mothers and children in Malawi hence the need to review laws governing the entry of such items that have proven useful to the medical sector.

“The Malawi Government heartily appreciates the contributions World Vision has made in the health sector,” she said, citing the organisation’s support during the past year of 2013 when almost all referral hospitals in the country ran out of much needed drugs.

Malawi has, and continues to be one of the World’s key destinations of GIK, with over 30 million dollars worth of items always making their way to the southern Africa country.

Pharmaceutical items, books, shoes and clothes have been among the items received in Malawi.

While assuring the Government chief of continued support from the organisation, WV Malawi National Director, Robert Kisyula requested for accountability and timely reporting which he said is very critical in working with various donors and supporters who help with the items celebrated.

“We will continue working hard as a National Office in order to source a lot of support for our children in Malawi. However, all our partners, Government departments included, should improve on reporting,” he said.

With many countries making a last push towards the Millenium Development Goal 2 and three which focus on improving maternal newborn health, GIK has helped Malawi with the much needed pharmaceuticals that have helped during child health weeks.