Malawi Red Cross Society Faces K3 Billion Deficit in Supporting Mozambique Asylum Seekers

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) is facing a significant funding gap in its efforts to support asylum seekers from Mozambique.

With a budget of K4 billion, the organisation has only managed to raise K1 billion, leaving a deficit of K3 billion.

Gloria Kunyenga, MRCS Director of Programs and Development, emphasised the need for support from partners to address the pressing needs of asylum seekers, including shelter.

The MRCS is working with various partners to provide assistance to those affected by disasters and conflicts.

Recently, the World Food Programme (WFP) partnered with MRCS to distribute 25 kilograms of maize and K25,000 cash to over 2,500 families seeking asylum at Nyamithuthu Refugee Settlement Camp in Nsanje.

According to Hilda Katema, Senior Administrative and Operations Manager in the Department for Refugees, over 7,000 individuals from 3,600 households have been registered across various sites.

However, registration is still pending for asylum seekers in Mulanje, Mwanza, and Neno.

The asylum seekers are fleeing conflict and violence in Mozambique, and many have arrived in Malawi with limited resources and belongings.

The MRCS and its partners are working to provide essential services, including food, shelter, and healthcare, to support the asylum seekers during their stay in Malawi.

The funding deficit is a significant concern, as it may impact the ability of the MRCS to provide adequate support to the asylum seekers.

The organisation is appealing to donors and partners to provide additional funding to support its efforts.

In addition to the funding challenge, the MRCS is also facing logistical challenges in reaching all the asylum seekers.

The organisation is working to establish additional registration centers and distribution points to ensure that all asylum seekers receive the support they need.

Despite these challenges, the MRCS remains committed to supporting the asylum seekers and is working tirelessly to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance.

The organisation is grateful for the support of its partners, including the WFP, and looks forward to continuing to work together to address the needs of the asylum seekers.