Norwegian Ambassador, Malawi partners distribute dignity kits for cyclone Freddy relief

Malawi-The Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Ingrid Marie Mikelsen, and a consortium of organizations have distributed dignity kits to adolescent girls and women affected by Cyclone Freddy and cholera in Malawi's Chikwawa District, writes Comfort Bulangete.

The consortium partners include Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), DanChurchAid (DCA), the Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment (FOCESE), and Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD).

The distribution was made on March 28, 2023, at the Masenjere Camp based at Dolo Primary School in the area of Senior Chief Ngabu.

The kits were distributed to 500 beneficiaries, including adolescent girls, and pregnant and lactating women, and will help address gender-based violence and promote self-confidence among the recipients.

FOCESE, supported by NCA and DCA, provided the kits, which comprise a wrapper, pots, plates, spoons, washing and bathing soap, tissues, body lotion, cups, and buckets.

The response will also cover sexual and reproductive health services, gender-based violence, and cholera mitigation.

The Norwegian government has released two million dollars for immediate disaster response and an additional six million dollars for long-term investment in the agricultural sector to address food insecurity in the country.

Havard Hovdhaugen, Country Director for Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid Joint Country Programme in Malawi, emphasized their commitment to helping the people of Chikwawa, stating that they have been in the district before, during, and after Cyclone Freddy.

One beneficiary, Sophie Kennedy from Mandere village, who is also a form four student at Dzumila Community Day Secondary School, expressed gratitude for the distribution, saying it would help combat cholera and improve their well-being.

However, she lamented the disruption caused by Cyclone Freddy to her education.

Senior Chief Ngabu of Chikwawa highlighted the challenges faced by people at the camp, including a lack of food and basic amenities, and called for more NGOs to emulate the consortium's example.

FOCESE's dignity kits response was supported by NCA and DCA, with a budget of about K70 million.